The Daily: Surprise! Ex-Red Wings Player in Anaheim; Plante Injured

Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams signed James Reimer to use him the same way the Detroit Red Wings did last season. They wanted Reimer as an insurance policy against injuried or poor play by either of their top two goalies Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen or Devon Levi.

But their plan had a flaw — Reimer (501 NHL games) has a reputation for being effective in that role.

With 10 goalies on waivers, the Sabres hoped they could sneak him through. The Sabres wanted to park Reimer in Rochester (AHL) until he was needed. No such luck.

“The veteran was simply too big of a name and too proven to avoid a claim,” Buffalo Hockey Now’s Jason Moser wrote.

The Anaheim Ducks claimed Reimer on waivers. Do you think Anaheim general manager Pat Verbeek called his friend Steve Yzerman to ask what he thought of Reimer? That is unknown, but both GMs are known for being thorough. And the Red Wings did appreciate Reimer’s work and attitude last season.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Coach Derek Lalonde said all three of his netminders played impressively in the preseason and he would be comfortable using any one of those players.

Believing the team needed some toughness, the Red Wings gave Austin Watson a two-way contract.

Paywall story: Bob Duff writes about the Red Wings spoofing the memorable older cult classic movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Darren McCarty and Danny DeKeyser play roles. To subscribe to DHN+, click here. You also get ad-free reading and access to the behind-the-paywall at our other websites.

Red Wings Extra

Detroit’s home opener is Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Coach Derek Lalonde hasn’t yet named a starting goalie, although Ville Husso had two strong full-game performances in the preseason. Prospect report: Max Plante (47th, 2024) picked up two assists in his collegiate debut for Minnesota-Duluth. However, Plante was injured in the game. He suffered an upper body injur. The Bulldogs lost 4-3 to Bemidji State.

Hockey Now Network

Florida: Up against the salary cap ceiling, the Panthers had to make some surprising moves, including sending goalie Spencer Knight to the AHL. Florida Panthers.

Philadelphia: Egor Zavragin, a top Flyers goalie prospect, was named as the KHL Rookie of the Week. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: GM Kyle Dubas gave a 43-minute state of the Penguins address. Dan Kingerski interprets what he had to say. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Macklin Celebrini is healthy and ready to make his NHL debut on Thursday. San Jose Sharks.