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Oilers: 4 trade targets to solve goaltender woes

By Paul Taylor

Apr 17, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft during the first period against the Los Angeles Kings in game one of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft during the first period against the Los Angeles Kings in game one of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Edmonton Oilers James Reimer
Oct 4, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Red Wings goaltender James Reimer (47) stands for the national anthem against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

2) James Reimer

We won’t go as far as to suggest James Reimer is a polarising player. However, there’s a sense of him almost been considered an underachiever during his 13+ seasons in the NHL.

Reimer has talent, strength and sound technique. However, he’s never quite put it all together on a consistent enough basis to be the main man on his team.

The 35-year-old looked so promising during his rookie season with the Leafs. He went 20-10-5 in 35 starts, with a .921 save percentage and 2.60 GAA, seemingly set to be the long-term answer in Toronto.

It never quite panned out, although Reimer was certainly not terrible during his time with the Leafs. For what it’s worth, he’s started more games in recent seasons, including a career-high 46 in 2021-22 with the Sharks.

This is down to the Arborg, Manitoba native improving his conditioning and just generally taking better care of himself, as his career has progressed. Although don’t expect this to mean he’d now be in a position to be the main man in Edmonton.

Not that the Oilers would be looking to Reimer as the long-term option in this capacity anyway. Aside from his age, he is set to be an UFA after this season.

In any event, the 2006 fourth round draft pick would work out well financially for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign. His cap hit for this season is only $1.5 million.

For his career, Reimer has a 206-171-61 record in 442 starts and 480 games overall, with a .911 save percentage and 2.85 GAA. For what it’s worth he’s started 10 playoff games (plus another appearance), going 5-5-0 and producing a .925 save percentage and 2.70 GAA.

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