Leafs goaltender James Reimer calls looming NHL trade deadline “a distraction”

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Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer watches the replay to see if a goal by the New York Islanders counted early in the second period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. Reimer will be glad once the NHL\'s trade deadline passes.The Toronto goaltender said following Tuesday\'s practice the looming deadline of 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday is a huge distraction, especially with the Maple Leafs looking at adding a veteran netminder for the stretch run. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Kathy Kmonicek

TORONTO – James Reimer will be glad once the NHL’s trade deadline passes.

The Toronto goaltender said following Tuesday’s practice the looming deadline of 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday is a huge distraction, especially with the Maple Leafs looking at adding a veteran netminder for the stretch run.

Thankfully for Reimer, Toronto is in the midst of a four-day break as they prepare to face the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night.

Reimer says not having any games to play leading up to the deadline makes dealing with the uncertainty easier.

Reimer and backup Ben Scrivens have been solid this season, helping Toronto to sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings.

But neither have any NHL playoff experience, and the Leafs have reportedly received permission from the Calgary Flames to speak with goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff’s agent about the 36-year-old veteran netminder.

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