Belleville signs veteran goaltender James Reimer to PTO for depth

The Belleville Senators bolstered their crease on Jan. 9 by signing veteran goaltender James Reimer to a professional tryout (PTO), making him available for the club’s upcoming game. The move gives Belleville an experienced option in net as the team navigates the challenges of the AHL North Division schedule.

Reimer, 37, brings a long resume to Belleville. He most recently represented Team Canada at the Spengler Cup and split the 2024-25 season between the Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks. Across parts of 15 NHL seasons he has appeared in 525 NHL games, giving him a volume of high-level starts and playoff-style experience that can be valuable in late January hockey.

A PTO is a short-term evaluation that allows the club to use Reimer immediately while assessing fit and performance. For the Senators it is practical insurance against injuries, call-ups and the wear-and-tear that comes in the second half of the AHL campaign. For younger netminders in the organization, Reimer’s presence offers on-ice competition and an experienced voice in the dressing room during practices and game preparations.

On-ice, expect Reimer to provide steadiness between the pipes and to be used as a dependable option when the club needs a veteran backstop. He may take a start or two right away, or serve as a tandem partner depending on the coach’s plan and the workload of Belleville’s regular netminders. His history of NHL starts means he knows how to manage games, track rebounds and handle late-game pressure — traits that translate well in the AHL’s fast, physical environment.

Community impact is immediate. Fans get a chance to see a recognizable NHL veteran wearing the Senators crest and to judge how his experience affects the team’s defensive structure. The signing also signals to the locker room and to opponents that Belleville is addressing its goaltending depth with a proven professional rather than a short-notice amateur call-up.

The practical takeaway for supporters and local followers: don’t expect long-term guarantees from a PTO, but do expect a boost in reliability in net and useful mentorship for younger players. Keep an eye on the lineup announcements and puck drop times if you plan to catch his first appearances; a veteran cameo can change the complexion of a close game.

Our two cents? Treat this as a smart, low-risk addition that could swing a few crucial results and calm the crease during a busy stretch. If you care about Belleville’s playoff positioning, make time to watch how Reimer settles the defense and handles rebounds — those little details often decide one-goal games.