Ducks claim a goalie as the season opener approaches. The 36-year-old veteran has played 501 NHL games and adds depth at the position for the Ducks, who start the season without John Gibson. On Monday, the Ducks made a strategic move by claiming a goalie from the Buffalo Sabres, likely completing their roster puzzle before Saturday’s season opener in San Jose.
This seasoned professional has played 501 NHL games, though he didn’t play any for Buffalo, as they signed him over the summer but waived him when the deadline for salary cap-compliant rosters approached. He previously played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, and Carolina Hurricanes, as well as enjoying a couple of stints with their first opponent, the Sharks.
Ranked 11th among active goalies in wins, ninth in shutouts, and 17th in save percentage, this player boasts a career record of 215-177-63, a .910 save percentage, and a 2.88 goals-against average. These stats made a compelling case to General Manager Pat Verbeek, who has been busy managing the team’s goaltending situation.
The Ducks recently traded prospect Gage Alexander for forward Robby Fabbri and a conditional draft pick, anticipating that Tomas Suchanek would step into a bigger role. However, after Suchanek sustained a serious knee injury requiring reconstructive surgery, they signed 30-year-old Oscar Dansk as a stopgap measure.
Both Dansk and prospect Calle Clang, reassigned to the minors, auditioned during the preseason for both the AHL minutes left by Suchanek and the NHL ice time vacated by veteran John Gibson, who is out due to an emergency appendectomy.
Now, the Ducks have secured James Reimer, providing a reliable goalie while Gibson recovers. Coach Greg Cronin noted that Gibson’s operation would significantly increase the responsibilities for emerging goalie Lukáš Dostál.
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