By Alex Hobson
There are several players on the Leafs roster that have been hit with negativity, but one member has taken a significant amount more than the others. That player's name is James Reimer. Everybody knows about the famous Bernier/Reimer debate that sets Leafs fans off on one another when brought up. Basically, half of the Leafs fanbase prefers Bernier over Reimer, and half prefers Reimer over Bernier. The fans use all sorts of stats and excuses to defend their favourite goalie and it often begins many arguments among Leafs fans. There are few fans that are completely neutral and don't have a preference, but the majority like one better than the other, and tend to argue as to who's better. Without further ado, let's take a look at what Reimer brings to the table and his history with the Leafs.
In the shortened 2012-13 NHL season, the Leafs were rolling with the tandem of Reimer and Ben Scrivens. Everything was going well, and they ended up making it to the playoffs for the first time in nine years. After the Leafs were eliminated in the game seven colossal choke against the Bruins, most Leafs fans would stick alongside of Reimer and appreciate him for his effort. Then, a couple of days before draft day, the Leafs would trade Scrivens, Matt Frattin, and a 2nd round pick to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for Jonathan Bernier. And just like that, a rivalry was born. Many argued that Reimer had done enough to prove he could be a starter, while others believed that because of the choke in the playoffs, they needed a goalie that could be relied on for pressure situations. Reimer fans would argue when Bernier would get more starts than Reimer, and Bernier fans would shut them down, saying that Bernier was simply the better goalie. As you can see, the Reimer/Bernier feud has caused quite the controversy among fans.
STATUS: AVAILIBLE FOR THE RIGHT PRICE
Reimer generally has the same situation as Bernier. Neither goalies are being actively shopped, but if an offer came around and the return would benefit the Leafs in the future, they would make the deal. Neither goalie is untouchable, but neither are on the block either.
2015-16 ROLE: BACKUP GOALIE
Say as much as you want about how Reimer deserves the starting title, but all the signs are pointing to Bernier as the more likely canidate to earn the starting job. After recently being signed to a two year deal with an AAV of just over 4 million, it's looking like Reimer will see less games than Bernier this year.
What do you think of Reimer, Leafs fans? Should he stick around after his contract expires? Weigh in below.
No comments:
Post a Comment