Veteran goaltender James Reimer is poised to make his first start for the Ottawa Senators this Sunday. The 37-year-old is expected to be in net when the Senators visit the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena.
Merilainen's Performance Forces a Change
The decision comes on the heels of another difficult performance from young goalie Leevi Merilainen. On Saturday, Merilainen posted a save percentage of just .684, allowing six goals on 19 shots in a 6-5 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens. This outing dropped his season save percentage to .860, which ranks second-last among all NHL netminders with 10 or more starts this season.
Senators head coach Travis Green did not mince words after the game. "It's hard to give him a pass," Green stated. "Six goals on [19] shots. I'm sure he'd like to have one or two back. I feel bad for him." While Green did not officially confirm Reimer as the Sunday starter post-game, the team's precarious playoff position—sitting seven points out of the Eastern Conference's final wild card spot—makes the switch a near certainty.
Reimer's Whirlwind Journey to Ottawa
Reimer's path to this moment has been rapid. Just over a week ago, on January 9, 2026, he signed a professional tryout contract with Ottawa's AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators. He made his first appearance for Belleville on January 11, stopping 22 shots in a 6-5 overtime loss to Rochester, though his save percentage was .786.
Belleville's interim coach, Andrew Campbell, saw positives. "He was solid and it was good for him to see some pucks and get his feet under himself," Campbell noted, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of AHL play.
That showing was enough for the NHL club to offer Reimer a one-year, pro-rated contract worth $850,000 USD on Monday, January 12. Since then, he has participated in four practices with the Senators and served as the backup in their 8-4 victory over the New York Rangers on Wednesday.
A Test Against a Playoff Contender
Reimer's debut will be a baptism by fire against a strong Detroit Red Wings squad that holds a 29-16-4 record. The Senators enter the contest with a 22-19-6 mark, making every point crucial for their postseason hopes.
Reimer has seen limited game action this season. Prior to his AHL stint, he represented Team Canada at the Spengler Cup in December, posting a 1-1-0 record with a .906 save percentage. His last NHL start was on April 17, 2025, for the Buffalo Sabres, where he made 20 saves in a 5-4 win over Philadelphia. He split the 2024-25 season between the Sabres and Anaheim Ducks, finishing with a 10-10-2 record and an .896 save percentage.
The Sunday matchup is scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. ET puck drop and will be broadcast on TSN5 and RDS2.
