James Reimer’s one-year, $850K signing gives Ottawa veteran depth but won’t instantly cure a .868 team save percentage — punters should be cautious backing the Senators moneyline; consider game totals/overs or short-term goalie props (Reimer to start, saves prop) until Ullmark returns and Ottawa’s defensive numbers improve.
Senators sign James Reimer to shore up faltering crease
The Ottawa Senators have added veteran goaltender James Reimer on a one-year contract worth $850,000 for the remainder of the season as they grapple with the NHL’s worst save percentage. The move is a clear attempt to stabilize a crease that has collapsed since the starting netminder left on personal leave.
Why Ottawa made the move
Ottawa ranks last in the league with a .868 save percentage after a sharp fall from .901 last season. The absence of the starter since late December exposed thin goaltending depth; backup Leevi Merilainen struggled in relief, including an eight-goal outing in a blowout loss. The Senators have lost five of seven games since the starter’s departure, jeopardizing playoff hopes despite a strong offensive profile.
Reimer’s résumé and recent form
Reimer, 37, brings 15 NHL seasons and 525 games of experience (225-187-65), a 2.89 career goals-against average and a .910 save percentage. Last season he went 10-8-2 with a 2.90 GAA and .901 save percentage in 22 games. He represented Canada at the Spengler Cup in December, signed a PTO with Toronto in preseason but was released, then joined Ottawa’s AHL affiliate on a PTO. He debuted for Belleville, allowing six goals on 28 shots in an overtime loss before Ottawa signed him to the NHL deal.
Impact on team outlook
Reimer becomes the club’s eighth NHL organization of his career, a true journeyman known for steady backup work. While his veteran presence and experience provide short-term depth, one signing is unlikely to fully reverse a systemic defensive problem. The Senators still rely on top-10 power play production and a 2.7 goals-per-60 even-strength attack, but must reduce goals against to remain competitive down the stretch.
Betting implications
Reimer’s arrival slightly improves Ottawa’s depth but doesn’t erase defensive instability. Punters should be cautious backing Ottawa moneyline until the starter returns and team save percentage stabilizes. Consider playing overs in Senators games given their recent defensive volatility, look at goalie-start and saves props for Reimer, or target opponent moneylines and puck-line markets as safer alternatives in the short term.
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The Ottawa Senators signed a veteran goaltender to address their league-worst goaltending situation.
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