Some players are happy when they’re not traded at the deadline, but that’s not the case for San Jose Sharks netminder James Reimer. The veteran told Curtis Pashelka of the Bay Area News Group that he was disappointed to not be on the move on NHL deadline day:
“Obviously the goal is to win a Cup and it’s been the goal since I was three years old,” said Reimer. “So, it’s unfortunate it didn’t come to fruition. Obviously, that’s every guy’s dream in here.”
Sharks GM Mike Grier acknowledged that he did try to move the 34-year-old but the goalie market was limited; not a single one moved on deadline day. It also didn’t help that Reimer has struggled this season, posting a career-low .892 SV% in 32 games this season which likely played a role in the lack of interest in the pending unrestricted free agent.
More from the Pacific:
- Although the Vancouver Canucks were hoping to open up some cap flexibility at the deadline, that didn’t happen; instead, they actually added money with the acquisition of defenseman Filip Hronek. One way to open up space for the summer would be the buyout route although GM Patrik Allvin indicated in an appearance on Sportsnet 650 (audio link) that he’s hoping to avoid going that direction. Buyout costs are two-thirds of the remainder of a player’s contract spread out over two times the remainder of the length of the deal. That allows for some short-term cap savings but the dead cap expenses can drag on which is something the Canucks would like to avoid.
- The Anaheim Ducks announced that assistant coach Mike Stothers has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Melanoma and is set to undergo treatment and surgery in the coming weeks. He intends to continue working during this time. Stothers is in his second season behind the bench with Anaheim on Dallas Eakins’ staff. PHR wishes Stothers all the best in his recovery.
