Maple Leafs sign James Reimer to PTO after Joseph Woll's absence

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed goaltender James Reimer to a professional tryout (PTO) on Friday to provide support in the absence of Joseph Woll.

Reimer, 37, started his NHL career with the Leafs after being drafted in 2006. He played for Toronto for six seasons, including a notable playoff series in 2013. Reimer has played 525 NHL regular-season games for seven teams, most recently with the Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks in the 2024-25 season, posting a .896 save percentage in 24 games last season.

Leafs coach Craig Berube confirmed that Reimer will join the team on Saturday. Berube stated that Reimer's addition is for depth and does not indicate a long-term absence for Woll, whose departure was due to a family matter with no set timeline for his return.

With starting goalie Anthony Stolarz yet to play a preseason game, Dennis Hildeby, 24, has seen significant playing time in preseason matches. Hildeby, the team's third goalie with limited NHL experience, raises questions about the team's goaltending depth if Woll remains out for an extended period.

Reimer's return to Toronto, where he had his most successful NHL seasons, provides a familiar option for the Leafs. His standout year was in 2012-13 when he posted a .924 save percentage and played a key role in the playoffs against the Boston Bruins. Reimer was traded to the San Jose Sharks in 2016, and it is unclear when he will start practicing with the Leafs.