500-game veteran NHL goaltender gets claimed off waivers while another player clears

So far this season, the goaltending tandem of the Buffalo Sabres has not lived up to the lofty expectations set forth by the talents of Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi. In an attempt to fix that, the Buffalo Sabres made a huge move, claiming veteran goalie James Reimer off of waivers just a day after he was placed by the Anaheim Ducks.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the availability of Reimer likely piqued the interest of several teams, but it was Buffalo that snagged him. With the Sabres needing an experienced netminder in goal to try and bolster their playoff hopes, the presence of Reimer could be exactly what they're looking for.

Reimer, 36, appeared in only two games for Anaheim this season, allowing nine goals on 66 shots as the Ducks mostly used Lukas Dostal and John Gibson. The move to Buffalo gives him a new beginning as a solid NHL backup. Last season, Reimer had a 3.11 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage in 25 games with the Detroit Red Wings, numbers that bode well for a backup role.

How Reimer will fit in with Luukkonen and Levi is still a question, as Levi has struggled to find his fit within the NHL. This could be a way to take some of the pressure off Levi's shoulders, letting the more experienced Reimer in the fold a little more regularly.

Elsewhere in waiver news, 26-year-old defenseman Riley Stillman cleared after being waived by the Carolina Hurricanes. Stillman will report to the AHL's Chicago Wolves as he hopes to carve out a spot within the organization.

More to come.