Berube offers little on Reimer’s future with Leafs; ‘No decision’s been made’ on Cowan

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube didn’t have much to offer on James Reimer’s absence from practice on Monday.

The veteran netminder is signed to a professional tryout with the team that originally drafted him.

“That’s still up in the air,” Berube said of Reimer’s status. “I don’t have a lot to say on that. He’s had no time. I mean, he got a half a game...that’ll play itself out right now.”

Reimer, 37, made his first appearance of the preseason in Saturday’s 6-5 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings. He surrendered four goals on 28 shots.

A native of Morweena, Man., Reimer has appeared in 525 career games over 15 seasons with the Leafs, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks.

For his career, Reimer is 225-187-65 with a goals against average of 2.89 and a .910 save percentage.

Cowan skates at 13th forward

Rookie Easton Cowan skated as the team’s 13th forward on Monday as he continues to work to crack the team’s opening-night roster.

“Just keep working. Keep practising,” Berube said of his message for the 20-year-old. “He’s had a good camp. No decision’s been made. So, that’s where we’re at.”

Cowan could make the leap to the NHL this season after another impressive campaign with the London Knights last year. He posted 29 goals and 69 points in 46 games last season, adding 13 goals and 39 points in 17 playoff games as London repeated as OHL champions.

At the Memorial Cup, the 2023 first-round pick posted three goals and seven points to tie for the tournament lead in scoring and took home the Stafford Smythe Trophy as tournament MVP.

The Leafs open up their 2025-2026 campaign on Wednesday night at home to the Montreal Canadiens