In a surprising turn of events on Monday, veteran goaltender James Reimer and forward Zach Aston-Reese were among five players claimed off waivers, shaking up the NHL landscape.
Reimer, at the age of 36, was picked up by the Anaheim Ducks after spending time with the Buffalo Sabres in camp this preseason. Hailing from Morweena, Man., Reimer has built up an impressive resume over his 14 years in the league, appearing in a whopping 501 games. Starting his career with the Maple Leafs, he then went on to play for the San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Detroit Red Wings. With a record of 215-177-63 and a save percentage of .910, Reimer is a seasoned goaltender with a wealth of experience.
On the other hand, Aston-Reese found himself claimed by the Columbus Blue Jackets after a stint with the Red Wings organization last season. With NHL and AHL experience under his belt, the centre is a valuable addition to any team he joins.
The Vancouver Canucks also made a move, claiming goaltender Jiri Patera off waivers from the Boston Bruins. Patera, who recently signed with the Canucks in the off-season, previously played eight games with the Vegas Golden Knights, posting a 3.57 goals against average and .902 save percentage. The Bruins picked him up last month, but now he finds himself in Vancouver, ready to make an impact.
In a twist of fate, the Vegas Golden Knights made moves of their own, claiming centre Raphael Lavoie from the Edmonton Oilers and winger Cole Schwindt from the Calgary Flames. These acquisitions could prove to be game-changers for the Golden Knights as they look to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.
Overall, these waiver claims have added intrigue and excitement to the NHL landscape, showing that no player is safe from being snatched up by another team in a bid for success. Time will tell how these new acquisitions will fare with their new teams, but one thing’s for sure – the NHL is in for an exciting season ahead.
