Bolts by the Bay
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Five backup goalie options next season for the Tampa Bay Lightning

By Stephen Parrino

Mar 11, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Brian Elliott (1) makes a save against the Chicago Blackhawks in the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Brian Elliott (1) makes a save against the Chicago Blackhawks in the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2022; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer (47) watches the play during the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2022; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer (47) watches the play during the first period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports /

James Reimer

Age: 35
2022-23 Contract: $2,250,000
Stats: 43 GP | 3.48 GAA | 0.890 SV%

Starting just over half of San Jose’s games last season, Reimer did have the worst statistical season of his career by save percentage with all previous seasons seeing him save greater than .900. But San Jose was not known for their defensive play, so I do not view that as a negative mark. He did, however, outperform his 26-year-old teammate Kaapo Kahkonen, who posted a 3.85 GAA and 0.883 save percentage over his 37 games played.

Reimer fits the mold of what the team has had with McElhinney and Elliott — a veteran netminder with their days of being the top goalie on a good team behind them — but still capable of putting up good numbers playing a reduced amount of the season in a backup role.

Reimer could still chase contract value and playing time over competitiveness, but the now 35-year-old is still chasing Lorde Stanley and could be at the point of considering taking a pay cut to join a contender.

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