The Buffalo Sabres have an issue with organizational goaltending depth following injuries to starter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and minor-leaguer Felix Sandstrom and to remedy the situation, the club claimed veteran netminder James Reimer off of waivers from the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday.
The 34-year-old was signed in July to a one-year, $1 million contract by Buffalo, but was claimed off of waivers in early October by Anaheim when starter John Gibson went on injured reserve due to having his appendix removed.
Related: Sabres Dodge Serious Injury On Two Key Players, Lose Samuelsson
Reimer went 0-2-0, with a 4.50 GAA and .864 save % in two starts with Anaheim. The Sabres could skirt waivers since they reclaimed a player they signed, but Luukkonen’s healthy status may play a part in that decision.
Luukkonen was pulled after two periods in the Sabres 7-5 loss to Montreal with what head coach Lindy Ruff described as an “ailment” and did not practice with the club on Wednesday. Ruff indicated that the starter was day-to-day and could be in the lineup against St. Louis on Thursday, but if he is not able to go, Reimer could backup Devon Levi against the Blues.
Related: Amerks Update: Helenius Adapting, Kulich Returns, Ostlund Injured
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