Toronto Hockey Daily has no direct affiliation to the Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL or NHLPA
New Mask, New Number, But Same Old James Reimer in First Look With Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images
James Reimer has officially made his first appearance in his new Leafs gear and the nostalgia value is high, even though he won't be wearing Matthews' number 34.
The Toronto Maple Leafs tapped into some nostalgia value when they opted to bring back former Leafs netminder James Reimer on Friday on a PTO agreement.
The news came on the heels of a rather unfortunate announcement involving Joseph Woll, who has taken a leave of absence from the Leafs to tend to an urgent personal family matter. There is no timetable for his return.
Reimer has wasted no time in making his way to Toronto following the announcement, as he was already on the ice on Saturday, donning some new Leafs gear to boot.
David Alter of The Hockey News was present in Toronto for the morning practice sessions, and when Reimer skated out onto the ice, Alter captured what appears to be a brand new Maple Leafs mask.
The new mask could be a signal that perhaps the move has been in the works for awhile, following the departure of veteran netminder Matt Murray earlier this summer.
In addition, Reimer was not wearing his old number, as Maple Leafs superstar and current captain Auston Matthews now sports number 34, but Reimer has worn #47 for a number of years, and will continue to wear it now in his return with the Leafs.
Reimer last played in Toronto nearly ten years ago, during the 2015-16 season. Since that time he has enjoyed two stops in San Jose, as well as stops in Florida, Carolina, Detroit, Buffalo, and Anaheim.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 27 | 1695 ANSWERS New Mask, New Number, But Same Old James Reimer in First Look With Maple Leafs Are you excited for James Reimer's return to Toronto? | ||
| Yes | 982 | 57.9 % |
| No | 713 | 42.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
