James Reimer: 'I'd like to be a Leaf my whole career'
Despite having a career-best season, not all is perfect for goaltender James Reimer as unrestricted free agency looms and his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs remains uncertain.
"Who knows what's going to happen over the next couple of months, but obviously I was drafted here (Toronto) and my heart's here," Reimer said, according to TSN's Mark Masters.
"I've loved being a Leaf and I'd like to be a Leaf my whole career, but obviously this unrestricted thing is sometimes a weird thing."
Despite a pedestrian 8-7-6 record, Reimer boasts a league-leading .937 save percentage and equally impressive 1.97 goals-against average. League observers predict a long-term contract with a significant raise is in order for the 27-year-old, who is making $2.3 million this season.
Whether the Maple Leafs decide to lock up Reimer themselves or simply let him walk in free agency is anyone's guess at this point, and the netminder himself admits he too is unsure of where he could end up next season.
"Who knows what plans they (Leafs management) have and who knows going forward. It's a lot of question marks," Reimer continued before adding he hopes to pick up a few more wins this year.
With reports that Jonathan Bernier is on the trade block, it appears more likely that the Manitoba native will get his wish to remain in blue and white, but there's still a lot of hockey to be played before any decisions are made by general manager Lou Lamoriello and Co.
His next opportunity between the pipes will come Tuesday, when he is expected to get the start against the division-leading Florida Panthers.