James Reimer (March 1, 2011 - Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images North America)
“Optimus Reim” is the nicknamed coined by Maple Leaf fans. James Reimer owns this nickname and it might not have occurred this year unless there were some unfortunate injuries to J-S Giguere and Jonas Gustavsson or if he did not get noticed about 10 years ago pretty much by accident. Here is a great article on the soon to be 23 year old rookie goalie and his career so far. "Reims" has been spectacular this season ever since being called up from the Marlies in the AHL. He has the possibility of being the franchise goalie of the future for the Maple Leafs, if he is able to continue his play and not end up like former Leaf and Calder trophy winner Andrew Raycroft. As well, he will push Jonas Gustavsson as the team’s future goalie if Gustavsson can work out his heart issues, and Reimer is resigned this summer. Now here is a comical article suggesting that Reimer may end up like Raycroft, falling off after a great first season; but this will be the result of hanging out with goalies that had only one solid season in the NHL. I think this “Transformer” of a goalie will end up not transforming. He will continue to be a reliable goalie for years to come, but the Canadian pressure may affect his play if he starts to slump, if at all.
