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Former Maple Leafs goalie gets career-changing news after tryout with the Senators


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Alexander Cole
January 12, 2026  (10:49)
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Feb 9, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer (34) attempts to make a save against Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton (not pictured) during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Photo credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Ex-Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer recently got to try out with the Belleville Senators of the AHL, and it has led to a career-changing opportunity.

Over the weekend, James Reimer signed a PTO with the Belleville Senators, the AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators.
It was a move that had to be made when you consider the fact that Linus Ullmark is on a leave of absence and may not return to the franchise, given recent rumors.
The hope was that Reimer would have a solid first game in Belleville and would subsequently be signed to a contract with the Ottawa Senators.
In his first match over the weekend, Reimer was pretty awful, allowing six goals on 28 shots. However, the Senators are still going to give him an opportunity.
Just moments ago, the team announced that Reimer is being signed to a one-year deal on a one-way contract. At 37 years old, this is a major opportunity.
Whether or not this actually works out for Senators remains to be seen. They are in last place in the Atlantic Division, and it feels like a desperation move.

Maple Leafs passed on Reimer earlier this season

During training camp, the Leafs brought in Reimer on a PTO with the hope that he could be the backup to Anthony Stolarz while Joseph Woll was on leave.
Of course, this did not come to fruition, as Reimer was let go from his PTO without a deal in place. Since that time, Reimer has been waiting for an opportunity.
For now, he will likely serve as a backup in Ottawa, but he will surely get some starts over the coming weeks and perhaps even months.
If you're the Leafs, you can't help but laugh at the Senators right now, whose season appears to be lost following a trip to the postseason in 2025.
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Former Maple Leafs goalie gets career-changing news after tryout with the Senators

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