Panthers tab Reimer to face Maple Leafs on Thursday

James Reimer is going to play against the Toronto Maple Leafs for the first time in his career.

The Florida Panthers backup goaltender will start versus his former club Thursday night at the Air Canada Centre, Panthers head coach Gerard Gallant told reporters, including ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.

Roberto Luongo got the start last month when the Panthers made their first visit to Toronto this season, and the Leafs chose not to honor Reimer in his return to the city.

Reimer played parts of six seasons with the Leafs starting in 2010-11. He was dealt to the San Jose Sharks before the 2016 trade deadline and signed with the Panthers as a free agent July 1.

The 28-year-old has the second-highest save percentage in Leafs' franchise history and ranks 10th all time in career wins among Toronto netminders.