Carolina Hurricanes: James Reimer Nominated for the Bill Masterton

The Carolina Hurricanes have Nominated Reimer for the Masterton

Today it was announced that representing the Carolina Hurricanes in the award for the Bill Masterton Memorial trophy is James Reimer.

On June 9th, the list of nominees for the Bill Masterton Memorial trophy was made public by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. Nominated for the Carolina Hurricanes was goaltender James Reimer. Reimer was nominated due to his incredible stats (.914 save percentage and a 2.66 goals-against average) behind a widely injured D core.

A quick history on the Bill Masterton Memorial trophy and what it is. In 1968, the first and only player ever in NHL history died due to injuries suffered on the ice. His name was Bill Masterton, a player for the Minnesota North Stars. The trophy was established that same year to forever remember Bill Masterton.

In order to be nominated for the trophy, you must “exemplify the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.” Often this means fighting through struggles, overcoming tough personal circumstances, and still performing at the highest level. In years past we’ve seen people overcome cancer, lose a child, and overcome mental diagnoses to win this trophy.

Players of all calibers have won this trophy. From Mario Lemieux and Henri Richard to Claude Provost, the first-ever winner of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. This is an award that can be won by everyone, not just the extremely talented and high-end skill players. Tragedy affects everyone, and this is the award to show it.

Unlike trophies such as the Maurice “Rocket” Richard, this is subjective. You do not need to have the best stats to win this. All that needs to happen is a player needs to overcome difficult situations to perform at the highest level.

So, why has Reimer been nominated? Well, there are a few reasons. His time in Florida didn’t end well. Posting a measly .900 save percentage and a3.09 goals-against average, he was cast out as a salary cap dump when the Panthers acquired a pick and the contract of goaltender Scott Darling which was subsequently bought out.

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Since being cast aside by a team that no longer wanted him, Reimer has been nothing short of excellent. 25 games played, three shutouts, 14 wins, a .914 save percentage and a 2.66 goals-against average? Not too bad for someone you pick up as a cap dump. Reimer was brought in to be the backup to Petr Mrazek, yet has made the starting decision incredibly difficult for the team.

From discarded goaltender to genuine starter. From playing second fiddle to a future hall of fame goalie in the perfect retirement home to becoming a much-beloved figure in a team coming off an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, and looking to push for a Stanley cup. Reimer’s story is phenomenal. There’s no doubt he’s shocked everyone with what he’s done since the trade.

James Reimer came into Carolina and transformed the goalie situation. From having a struggling Scott Darling to having a very stable and reliable goaltender. Reimer transforming the goalie situation has earned him the nickname “Optimus Reim” among other fan bases too. It just shows Reimer truly is deserving of his Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy nomination

Question for Cardiac Cane: What do you think about Reimer’s career so far as a Carolina Hurricane?