3. James Reimer
Team: San Jose Sharks Age: 28 Status: UFA
2015-2016 stats: GP: 40 W: 17 L: 14 OT: 7 SO: 3 GA: 2.31 SV%: .922
The only goaltender on the list that is still playing — well, his team is, anyway. Currently the backup goaltender for San Jose, Reimer has played lights out when given the opportunity since being acquired by the Sharks. He is 6-2 in his eight games in teal, with a goals against average of 1.62 and a save percentage of .938.
It’s not that he was bad with the Maple Leafs, either. Though the Maple Leafs have struggled in recent years, goaltending has been far from their weakest link. In his career, he has never posted a save percentage under .900 for a season. Prior to the trade, he had boasted a save percentage of .918, despite playing on the worst team in the NHL.
The issue with Reimer is durability. This season, he played in a career-high 40 games. Whether it be due to injury or competition, he simply has never gotten into that many games. At the same time, he has never played less than 30 contests in a season since breaking into the league in 2010-2011. Good for between 30 and 40 games, he could be perfect for a time share situation.
Estimated cost: $3.5-4.5 million per season.
