The Anaheim Ducks claimed James Reimer on waivers today. Kevyn Adams tried to sneak the veteran goaltender through to play in the AHL, but it didn’t work out. This was always a possibility when he signed with the Buffalo Sabres in the summer and Devon Levi was to remain the number two goaltender.

Now that this has come to fruition, there are a few things to sort out.

AHL

Reimer was supposed to be the starter for the Rochester Amerks in the AHL this season. That task now falls to another goaltender who signed in the summer, Felix Sandstrom. The 27-year-old goaltender had a poor preseason with the Sabres.

He’s coming off a year where he had a -4.44 goals saved above expected in five NHL appearances and a .884 save percentage in the AHL. That doesn’t give you confidence in what the Amerks will have between the pipes when the season kicks off on Friday.

Michael Houser, who has performed well in the AHL in the past, will likely step into the backup role in the AHL for the time being.

Free Agents

If the Sabres want to bring in another veteran to replace Reimer, there are a few out there to consider.

Martin Jones is currently unsigned. The 34-year-old goaltender played with the Leafs last season. He put up a 4.22 goals saved above expected in 22 appearances. That was still below league average, but he’s someone you may feel more comfortable with instead of Sandstrom if it came to that.

Malcolm Subban is another option if the Sabres strictly want more depth in the AHL. He has experience with the organization and was ok in the AHL last season. He had a .902 save percentage with the Springfield Thunderbirds.

Subban did sign a PTO with Grand Rapids in the AHL today. Therefore, the Sabres would need to offer him a guaranteed AHL deal for him to leave that opportunity.

Beyond that…not much.

Wait it Out

The most likely scenario here is the Sabres just wait this out. The Ducks claimed Reimer because John Gibson is out three to six weeks after an appendectomy. Lukas Dostal will take over as the starter until he returns with Reimer as the backup.

Once Gibson is back, the Ducks will likely waive Reimer to clear space as long as Dostal is healthy. In that scenario, the Sabres can claim him back on waivers. If nobody else in the league places a claim on Reimer at that time, they can immediately assign him to the AHL. They won’t have to put him on the NHL roster like other waiver wire moves.

They may be without their number three goaltender for a month to start the season, but if they can get by without an injury situation they’ll be fine. There’s a good chance he’ll be back with the organization by the middle of November.

Data via: Evolving Hockey

Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports