James Reimer Jokingly Issues Challenge to Leafs Captain Auston Matthews for Jersey Number

In 2006, the Toronto Maple Leafs selected James Reimer in the fourth round of the NHL Entry Draft. Nearly ten years later, his time in Toronto ended with a trade to San Jose.

Reimer's run with the Leafs was a rollercoaster. At his best, he was a fan favorite who thrived in chaotic games, but at his worst, he crumbled under the pressure, most notably in the infamous 2013 collapse against the Boston Bruins when Toronto blew a 4-1 lead in the third period of Game 7.

For years after, Leafs Nation questioned the team's goaltending depth, and Reimer's legacy felt complicated. This past season, things finally seemed different with Toronto boasting a steady tandem in net.

But with Joseph Woll sidelined, cracks in that depth have shown, leading the Leafs to bring back Reimer on a professional tryout.

Still, the moment that grabbed the most attention at camp wasn't a save or a drill; it was his jersey number. Reimer wore No. 34 during his years in Toronto, but with that number belonging to current captain Auston Matthews, he wore No. 47 instead.

Reimer joked with reporters about a "tussle" at center ice with Matthews to decide who gets to keep 34, knowing full well the captain isn't giving it up.

It was a lighthearted reminder of why Reimer remains such a unique character within Leafs Nation, and why his return, no matter how it unfolds, already feels like a story fans are watching closely.