Rangers Place James Reimer on Unconditional Waivers

The New York Rangers moved to terminate goaltender James Reimer's contract by placing him on unconditional waivers.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Hockey

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a hockey goaltender in a crouched save pose in royal blue and red, rendered in visible brushwork against blurred arena lights. — The New York Rangers placed goaltender James Reimer on unconditional waivers on Saturday to terminate his one-year contract signed October 25, as injuries sidelined Igor Shesterkin and Joonas Korpisalo. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The New York Rangers placed goaltender James Reimer on unconditional waivers for purposes of contract termination on Saturday. Reimer had been assigned to AHL Hartford after clearing regular waivers on Friday.

Why it matters

The move reflects the Rangers' goaltending situation, which has been strained by injuries, including Igor Shesterkin's season-ending knee injury and Joonas Korpisalo's lower-body issue. Reimer signed the one-year deal on Oct. 25 as the team dealt with those absences.

The one-year contract was valued at $850,000, and Reimer allowed three goals on eight shots in the first period of his only Rangers appearance. If unclaimed within 24 hours, the move would terminate the contract.

The players

James Reimer

James Reimer is a veteran NHL goaltender who has played for several teams across his career.

New York Rangers

The New York Rangers are an NHL franchise based in New York City that competes in the Eastern Conference.

The details

Unconditional waivers are used when a team seeks to terminate a player's contract. If no team claims Reimer within 24 hours, his contract will be terminated, and the Rangers would carry 48 contracted players under the 50-contract limit.

Oct. 25: Reimer signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Rangers.
Oct. 26: Reimer made his only Rangers appearance, a 6-3 loss to the Los Angeles Kings.
Friday: The Rangers assigned Reimer to AHL Hartford after he cleared regular waivers.
Saturday: The Rangers placed Reimer on unconditional waivers.

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Roadmap

Unconditional waivers under NHL rules let teams end contracts only after a 24-hour claim window passes without a taker. The Rangers' move applies that process as the team manages goaltending depth behind injured starters.

If no team claims Reimer within 24 hours, his contract is terminated and the Rangers' roster count drops to 48 contracted players. Fantasy managers tracking Rangers goaltending should note that Dylan Garand has handled 13 of the team's first 17 games.

The takeaway

Teams use unconditional waivers to clear roster space when a player's role has diminished, and the 24-hour claim window determines whether the move is final. Readers tracking the Rangers should watch whether any club claims Reimer before the window closes.