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Sabres fans losing their minds over their team claiming goaltender James Reimer after massive controversy

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Daniel Lucente
November 15, 2024  (1:02 PM)
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An angry Buffalo Sabres fan seen in the crowd
Photo credit: Two in the Box

Fans of the Buffalo Sabres are fuming following the waiver claim by their team of goaltender James Reimer as he has a history of significant controversy.

The Buffalo Sabres made a lot of noise in claiming goaltender James Reimer off of waivers, and the fan reaction since then has been anything but positive.

Reimer, long considered one of the more divisive figures in the NHL, continues to find his way onto rosters despite much controversy over his performance and social stances taken outside of the ice.

But following a waive from the Anaheim Ducks, the Sabres didn't take long to add him to their roster.

That was at least a head-scratcher as the club was already carrying a pair of capable netminders in Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi, making whatever need there was for Reimer very, very questionable.

To Sabres fans, the signing means a great deal more than a weird hockey decision. The backlash on social media was immediate, as frustrated fans wondered why the team brought in a player whose actions run against inclusive, respectful values.

But frustrations from fans go beyond roster logistics. Reimer has become, to some degree, a divisive player due to his very loudly stated opposition to the league's Pride Night initiatives, designed to show support and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

His refusal to don Pride-themed jerseys, alongside similar movements from players like Ivan Provorov and Marc Staal, eventually led to the hugely criticized league decision to ban all specialty jerseys during games, a move many felt was intolerance to that community.

He has done little on the ice in recent years to instill any confidence, which raises questions only further about his fit in Buffalo.

Sure enough, with his eventual debut still with the Sabres up in the air, one thing is certain: his addition to the roster has been decidedly less than exciting.

If and when Reimer does take the ice, he will be receiving no warm welcome due in part to his recent performance and in part to the baggage he carries into town.

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Sabres fans losing their minds over their team claiming goaltender James Reimer after massive controversy

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