The Maple Leafs have still not settled on a starting goalie. Neither James Reimer nor Jonathan Bernier has won the job and the two young goalies will likely continue to split assignments. Bernier played the whole game Friday night against Detroit and Reimer is slated to do the same Saturday night. It may be some time before this battle is resolved so bear that in mind at the draft table.

James Reimer stopped 34 shots in a 3-2 loss against Ottawa in exhibition action Tuesday night. He was very good in Toronto's 3-2 shootout win over Buffalo last Saturday as well when he made 38 saves through regulation and overtime, in addition to turning aside all 15 shots he faced in the shootout. He is fine form already and said, "I was the starter here last year and I had no intention of giving it up, whether they brought in (Jonathan) Bernier or (Henrik) Lundqvist or someone who had never played an NHL game before." The competition definitely motivates him, but giving his team a chance to win games comes first in his mind.

Look for James Reimer to start and play the entire game Saturday against the Sabres. He is in a tight battle with newly-acquired Jonathan Bernier for playing time. Reimer has a golden opportunity to take the early lead while Bernier recovers from a skin irritation that may keep him from playing for a few days.

James Reimer didn't hide his surprise when the Leafs acquired goaltender Jonathan Bernier from Los Angeles during the off-season, but he's looking forward to the competition and intends to provide as much support to Bernier as he can. "First and foremost we wear the same jersey, so you're a good guy, you're a good teammate and you look out for your teammates, but aside from that, both of us are going to want to be the starter and definitely I want to keep that and want to be the guy for our team and be the guy that wins us a Cup," Reimer said. "That'll add some good competition and hopefully we can push each other and pile up a lot of wins for our team." Remier and Bernier will be closely watched at training camp to see who gets the start on opening night.

James Reimer was puzzled by Toronto's decision to acquire another young goalie in Jonathan Bernier, but he's more than willing to prove his worth and try to keep his starting job. "I was a little surprised when I heard about the deal," Reimer said. "There had been talk about bringing in a veteran. But to bring in someone of a similar age, well, obviously they have their reasons." Reimer added that he felt "a bit doubted as a goalie," but he said "you just have to focus on what you can control and believe in yourself." Perhaps playing with a chip on his shoulder will help his development and allow him to play with greater consistency. Reimer and Bernier are expected to compete for starts in 2013-14.

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis indicated that both Jonathan Bernier and James Reimer have an opportunity to win the No. 1 job for the 2013-14 season. "Nothing's guaranteed to anybody," Nonis said during a Sunday press conference. This could be an interesting goalie battle, although it's likely that Bernier has the leg up considering how much Toronto gave up merely for his negotiating rights.

It's anyone's guess if James Reimer is still the Toronto Maple Leafs' No. 1 goalie after the team acquired Jonathan Bernier in a big trade. On paper, Reimer's actually been the more productive goalie, with more career GP (104 to 62), more wins (53 to 29) and a better save percentage (.915 to .912). Still, many will hold the Game 7 collapse against Reimer and note Bernier's first-round hype. Keep an eye on the training camp update and consider platooning the two if you expect a big season for the Buds.

James Reimer should still be considered as Toronto's number one goalie despite the team's reported interest in Los Angeles goaltender Jonathan Bernier. "Our goaltending was solid last year," said Leafs GM Dave Nonis. "Reimer did a very good job. Ben (Scrivens) did a good job early and in relief. It's not a situation where we feel compelled to do something, but if there's an opportunity to improve we'll look to do it." Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star believes this statement indicates that the Leafs won't get into a bidding war for Bernier and we agree.

Toronto GM Dave Nonis expects James Reimer to be back as the team's number one goalie next season. "At this point, I'd say he'll be back as No. 1," Nonis told reporters on Thursday to wrap up the year. "I think his mental make-up remains his strength. It's something you could question last year. I think it was clear that a lot of his issues a year ago were based upon his health. When we needed quality goaltending ... James was very good. I don't think anyone could point to goaltending as an issue with our team." The Leafs may continue their search for a quality veteran keeper, but Reimer made plenty of positive steps during the lockout-shortened campaign.

James Reimer was despondent following the Leafs' loss Monday night. Toronto blew a three-goal, third period lead. "There's no way to describe it I don't think," Reimer said. "Just an empty feeling really. It's over and there's nothing you can do about it. When you go through the season and a goal goes in or somebody scores in the shootout or whatever deciding goal that it is, you know, it sucks but you'll get them next time. But a case like tonight there is no next time, it's just next year. So you know, it's really just an empty feeling." Reimer made 30 saves on 35 shots, ending the postseason with a 2.87 goals-against average and .923 save percentage.