Yesterday, the Maple Leafs signed goaltender of the future (and present) James Reimer to a 3-year deal worth 1.8 million dollars a year against the cap.
Here is what Brian Burke had to say about the deal:
"He earned the opportunity to play at the NHL level this past season and he made the most of it with his outstanding play," Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke said in a statement. "He really grabbed the net and never looked back. We are confident that his talent and strong work habits will be contributing factors to our team's success next season."http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=368360
My view on this is that it's a no lose situation for the Maple Leafs. Reimer has far from proven himself over a full year and that's a big reason why some see it as a 'risky' deal. But even if Reimer flops in a starters role, you have a back-up goalie making 1.8m, which isn't bad considering last year our back-ups were making over 7m (Brad Richards money!).
So I don't see a problem with this at all. Most fans don't. Some are skeptical, and that's understandable too. On a side note, boy was I wrong about him being potentially dealt last year!
My thoughts now turn to the back-up situation. I don't see how the Maple Leafs can go into next season riding two unknowns. For all of Reimer's success, he still has to establish himself more. Jonas Gustavsson has been injured and inconsistent and I don't find these two viable options for a team that needs to make the playoffs. The answer may lie in free-agency.
First, the Maple Leafs would have to move Gustavsson. Not sure who would be a target, but a team like the New Jersey Devils could potentially show some interest here. Martin Brodeur isn't going anywhere, but Johan Hedberg is a free-agent so there may be a need to fill the back-up role. They do also have recently signed NCAA free-agent Keith Kincaid and Jeff Frazee who could potentially take a back-up gig.
So if Gustavsson is moved, who could replace him? Ideally, a veteran goalie. Here's a list I would be interested in bringing in via free-agency:
Dwayne Roloson
Johan Hedberg
Jose Theodore
Ty Conklin
Alex Auld
I don't think any of these options would cost too much money, and all are capable of handling approximately 30-35 games a season.
It's not that I don't like Gustavsson, I just don't see this team having a realistic chance at winning if they go with two unproven goalies. If Reimer falters, and Gustavsson can't take hold of a number 1 spot then this team is headed for another bottom-five finish.
That's just one fans opinion.
