Leafs-Sharks Trade: G James Reimer to San Jose

Leafs-Sharks Trade: G James Reimer, F Jeremy Morin to San Jose

Once again, we have a Leafs-Sharks trade to announce. On Saturday afternoon, the Toronto Maple Leafs have sent G James Reimer and F Jeremy Morin (acquired recently from Chicago in exchange for Richard Panik) to San Jose.

Heading to Toronto is G Alex Stalock, F Ben Smith and a conditional 4th round pick in 2018.

Latest rumors had suggested GM Doug Wilson was on the market for a trusted netminder to stick behind Martin Jones. Reimer should add stability in the crease for a San Jose Sharks team in a playoff hunt.

via Sportsnet,

“James is an experienced NHL goaltender who will help add to our depth at that position as we head down the stretch run of the season,” Sharks GM Doug Wilson said in a statement. “Jeremy gives our group another versatile forward and a player that our coaching staff is familiar with. We’re excited to add them both to our organization.”

Reimer, 27, is 11-12-3 with a .918 save percentage and 2.49 goals-against average in 32 games with Toronto this season. He has spent his entire career with the Maple Leafs organization, backstopping the team to its only playoff appearance since the 2003-04 season.

Reimer’s contract carries a salary cap hit of $2.3 million and he will be an unrestricted free agent after the season.

Stalock, 28, is in the final year of his contract and will be a UFA at the end of the 2015-16 season. The Minnesota native has appeared in 13 games this season, going 3-5 with a .884 save percentage and 2.94 goals-against average. He had been with the Sharks organization since the club drafted him in the fourth round (112th overall) of the 2005 NHL Draft.

Sportsnet also posted a tweet from General Fanager, expressing that Toronto now has 28 draft picks in the next three drafts (17 of which come in the first four rounds).

More from NHL News

Leafs-Sharks Trade Analysis

It’s worth noting to Leafs fans that Reimer can still come back in the summer. Arizona did it with Antoine Vermette at last year’s deadline. Rumors suggest there’s mutual interest, so don’t be surprised if there are discussions in July.

For San Jose, an upgrade was necessary in goal. Martin Jones is capable of carrying the load, but they need someone who can give them an opportunity to win on Jones’ night off. If Reimer can post a solid save percentage behind a league worst team, he’s more than capable of filling the Sharks backup vacancy.

The only lost piece is newly acquired prospect Jeremy Morin – a fairly insignificant loss. Morin only projects to be a bottom six role player at best, and the Maple Leafs have more than enough of those. San Jose doesn’t have as rich a prospect pool as Toronto, so, Morin is an upgrade skill/talent wise on Ben Smith.

At one point, some Sharks fans believed Alex Stalock was their starter of the future. Heading into 2015-16 (prior to acquiring Martin Jones), many believed Stalock was ready for his opportunity to carry the load. GM Doug Wilson knew better, and paid a hefty price tag to acquire Jones, which worked out perfectly.

There’s a few reasons Stalock became expendable in San Jose. First, his poor performance, coupled with his pending UFA status. Most importantly though, Troy Grosenick sits third on the Sharks depth chart for goalies. He had an extremely impressive training camp, and the 26-year-old looks ready to assume the backup role in 2016-17. He’s got two games of NHL experience in 2014-15, going 1-1-0, while stopping 55 of 58 shots.

Alex Stalock, 28, is likely headed to free agency in the summer. It’s unlikely Toronto has much interest in him, but they’ll give him an opportunity to play some games. If Jonathan Bernier and Alex Stalock can somehow impress as a tandem, there’s a chance he can earn a new contract. Just don’t be surprised if he struggles, and finds his way to the Marlies.

Ben Smith Talent Analysis via Hockey’s Future,

Smith is a versatile forward that can play well in any situation, at any forward position, and throughout the lineup. His hockey sense and work ethic may be his strongest attributes. He plays close attention to his defensive responsibilities and is rarely found out of position. Offensively, he has a nose for the net and is willing to crash the crease for a goal. Smith’s tendency to outwork his opponents has endeared the winger to many fans while, off the ice, his personality and charity work have also earned him praise.

Next: St.Louis Acquires G Anders Nilsson

Toronto continues to unload contracts as Monday’s deadline approaches. Outside of P.A. Parenteau, how many roster players can the Maple Leafs unload?

Don’t forget to follow us on Monday with our NHL Trade Deadline Tracker. We’ve got all-day coverage to keep you updated throughout the day.

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