Injuries have left Toronto’s goaltending depth stretched to the very limit.
With Garret Sparks out long term by all accounts and James Reimer’s fitness still in doubt until after Christmas, the Leafs are left with only Jonathan Bernier and Antoine Bernier among goalies under contract with the big club.
The Marlies, meanwhile, were down to just one goaltender in Rob Madore on an AHL/ECHL deal, with Antoine Bibeau likely needed as the backup on the Leafs bench tomorrow.
With the situation requiring more than just sticking plaster at this current juncture, the Marlies were always more likely to sign a goaltender to a PTO than prise Ryan Massa away from Orlando for an extended period of time.
The shock was more who they signed before a Friday night tilt against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Ray Emery, a name familiar to virtually every NHL fan, has been signed to a Professional Try Out contract that enables him to play up to 25 games for the Toronto Marlies.
When you realise that Emery is another Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds alumni, the shock is lessened somewhat, as Kyle Dubas, during his tenure as Marlies GM, has a history of signing former members of the team he held a long-term association with.
There were numerous options open to the Marlies, but you have to figure that the experience of the 33-year-old goaltender was a key factor to this signing.
Emery’s athleticism between the pipes, willingness to drop the glove-and-trapper for the odd fight and unapologetic personality has gained him notoriety during his career. While he’s been unable find a regular position this season, he’s not that far removed from being a Stanley Cup Champion and winner of the 2013 William M. Jennings Trophy in Chicago. His 17 wins that season began with twelve straight victories, and he finished with a 1.94 GAA and a .922 save percentage.
A free agent in the summer after two seasons in Philadelphia, Emery signed a try-out with Tampa Bay Lightning in September but was released before the month was up.
The Ontario Reign, the new AHL affiliate of the L.A Kings, signed Emery to a PTO on October 10, from which he was released on December 4. During that time, he made three starts, finishing with a 1-1-1 record.
If injuries fail to relent in Toronto, Emery could find himself with a lot of work to do. The Marlies post-Christmas schedule is compact to say the least, as they will play six games in nine days beginning on Boxing Day.
When Emery makes his debut — most likely after the Christmas break with Antoine Bibeau starting tonight and Rob Madore tabbed to start in Hershey on Saturday — he’ll be the sixth goaltender to tend the twine for the Maple Leafs affiliate this season.
