Deal Completed: Montreal Canadiens Sign Veteran Goalie from Toronto Maple Leafs to Two-Year, $8 Million Contract
In a high-profile move that has sent shockwaves through the NHL, the **Montreal Canadiens** have officially signed veteran goaltender **James Reimer** from the **Toronto Maple Leafs**. The deal, a two-year contract worth $8 million, is seen as a major step in strengthening the Canadiens’ goaltending situation as they look to compete in the upcoming seasons.
Reimer, 36, has been one of the most reliable and experienced netminders in the league for over a decade. Known for his consistency, leadership, and veteran presence, the move to Montreal marks a new chapter for the seasoned goalie after spending the past few seasons with the Maple Leafs. Reimer is coming off a solid year with Toronto, where he posted a respectable .912 save percentage and helped anchor the Leafs’ goaltending tandem. His addition to the Canadiens comes at a time when Montreal is seeking a steady hand in the crease, following the departure of former starter **Carey Price** and the continued development of young goalie **Cayden Primeau**.
The Canadiens have long been searching for a veteran presence to stabilize their goaltending after Price’s injury struggles over the past few seasons. While Primeau has shown flashes of promise, the team needed someone with experience and proven ability to step into a starting role or as a solid backup, providing leadership and mentorship to the younger players. Reimer fits that bill perfectly.
**General Manager Kent Hughes** expressed excitement over the signing, noting Reimer’s impact both on and off the ice. “James brings a wealth of experience and stability to our organization,” Hughes said in a statement. “He’s been a dependable goaltender in the league for many years, and his leadership will be invaluable to our younger players. We believe that he will help solidify our goaltending tandem and contribute to our team’s success moving forward.”
Reimer’s new deal with Montreal includes a base salary of $7 million over two years, with an additional $1 million in performance bonuses, contingent on playing a certain number of games and achieving other team-based milestones. This structure reflects both Reimer’s ability to contribute in a starting role and the Canadiens’ flexibility as they continue to build their team for the future.
The 6-foot-2 goaltender was originally drafted by the **Toronto Maple Leafs** in 2006 and has spent most of his career with the team, before playing for several other organizations, including the **San Jose Sharks** and the **Carolina Hurricanes**. Reimer’s career is highlighted by a steady collection of solid seasons and playoff appearances, with his best year coming in 2013 when he posted a career-high .924 save percentage. Over his 14-year career, he has accumulated over 500 games played and has established himself as one of the most respected veterans in the league.
In Toronto, Reimer’s role had become more of a backup or tandem goaltender in recent years, sharing the crease with star goalie **Jack Campbell** before Campbell’s departure to the **Edmonton Oilers**. While Reimer’s primary role in Montreal may initially be as a mentor and backup to Primeau, it’s clear that the Canadiens are hoping he can provide solid play if called upon to start in place of the young netminder.
Reimer himself commented on the move to Montreal, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity to play for one of the most storied franchises in hockey. “I’m excited to join the Canadiens and to contribute to this team,” Reimer said. “Montreal is a city with incredible history and passionate fans, and I’m looking forward to being part of this rebuilding process. I’ve always admired the Canadiens’ commitment to excellence, and I’m eager to help however I can.”
The signing has already generated significant buzz among Montreal fans, who are eager to see how Reimer will perform in his new environment. For the Canadiens, the decision to add Reimer represents a strategic move to solidify their goaltending position as they look to improve on their recent struggles. With a roster that includes emerging talents like **Nick Suzuki**, **Cole Caufield**, and **Kaiden Guhle**, the Canadiens are poised for growth and hope that Reimer’s presence will help accelerate their development into a playoff contender in the next few years.
Reimer’s experience in high-pressure situations, particularly in the postseason, will be an asset as the Canadiens aim to return to contention. Although he is not expected to be the undisputed starter, his ability to step up when needed could prove crucial for a team that is in the midst of a rebuilding phase.
For Toronto, the departure of Reimer marks the end of an era, as he had been a reliable figure for many years. The Leafs now face the challenge of filling the void left by his departure, as they look to solidify their goaltending situation ahead of the new season.
Overall, this move is a win for the Montreal Canadiens, who secure a dependable and experienced goaltender to help guide them through their rebuilding process. Fans will be watching closely to see how Reimer’s leadership and playmaking abilities help shape the future of the team as they aim to return to the playoffs and eventually compete for a Stanley Cup in the near future.