Could a Former Maple Leafs Goalie Return to Toronto on a PTO?

The Toronto Maple Leafs had a very obvious strength during the 2024-25 season, and it came in between the pipes with Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll patrolling the blue paint in the NHL and Matt Murray, Dennis Hildeby, and Artur Akhtyamov solidifying the position at the AHL-level.

Murray signed with the Seattle Kraken this summer as a free agent and the Leafs never looked for an adequate replacement, perhaps because they believe in their younger netminders. While Hildeby and Akhtyamov are expected to share the crease for the Marlies, looking for a veteran third option isn't the worst idea.

That's where former Maple Leaf James Reimer enters the conversation. Still on the lookout for a contract, the veteran of 15 seasons could look to finish off his career where it all began in the Blue and White.

The 37-year-old carries a career .910 SV% and a 2.89 GAA over 525 games, including a .906 SV% over his last 310 games with pit stops in Florida, Carolina, Detroit, San Jose, Anaheim, and Buffalo.

Last year, he posted a 10-10-2 record with a .896 SV% between the Ducks and the Sabres, but provided much needed depth for both rebuilding clubs. For the Leafs, he can do the same, but this time for a team with playoff aspirations. The question is, would Reimer settle for a role in the AHL?

Woll and Stolarz have dealt with injuries in the past, including during the 2024-25 season, so having a veteran like Reimer in the fold would definitely help in a pinch. He can also help mentor the young netminders like Hildeby and Akhtyamov who have legitimate NHL aspirations.

Woll started the 2024-25 season on the injured reserve and Stolarz went down twice, which included his concussion during the post-season courtesy of Sam Bennett. If a situation arose where one of them went down for an extended period of time again, Reimer's experience would be invaluable.

Bringing Reimer into the fold on a PTO is as low-risk-high-reward as you can get, and considering how some of their previous PTOs worked out in Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz, it might be a shot worth taking.