Reimer knows refusal to wear Pride-themed jersey could have `consequences'

San Jose Sharks goalie James Reimer knows his refusal to wear a Pridethemed warmup jersey at a home game over the weekend could have a negative effect on his ability to play in the NHL past this season.

“I mean, I think I'd be lying if I said that wasn't something that crossed my mind, honestly,” Reimer said Saturday.

Reimer, citing his religious beliefs, didn't take part in pregame warmups Saturday when the Sharks wore jerseys meant to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Reimer didn't play but backed up Kaapo Kahkonen, who made 29 saves in San Jose's 4-1 loss to the New York Islanders.

Reimer is believed to be the second NHL player this season to openly refuse to wear a Pride-themed jersey in warmups. Philadelphia defenseman Ivan Provorov, also citing his religion, skipped warmups prior to a Jan. 17 home game against the Anaheim Ducks.

But while Provorov is in the fourth year of a six-year, $40.5 million contract that pays him an average of $6.75 million per season, Reimer's future in the NHL is uncertain. Now 35, Reimer is a pending UFA, as his twoyear, $4.5 million deal he signed with the Sharks as a free agent in 2021 expires after this season.

A return to San Jose might not be in the cards as general manager Mike Grier has said improving the team's goaltending will be a priority this offseason. The Sharks entered Sunday with the secondworst team percentage in the NHL at .881.

Reimer said he took his playing future into account before he made public his position regarding the Sharks' Pride night.

“This is not a stance that I was looking to make,” Reimer said. “I saw this happening and we started conversations almost a year ago with people in high places. Not because I'm ashamed of my faith, but because of certain consequences that could have for me or other people that feel this way. Those conversations happened, and here I am standing up for what I believe in.

“I'm sure there are people in management or ownership that won't look favorably on this, and I get that, and I understand it and respect everyone's right to think and believe whatever they want about me. But at the same time, I hope that there's another handful of people in management and in ownership that respect me for standing up for what I believe in and that's a big part of who I am.”

At least one former NHL executive said the Sharks goalie's stance — in and of itself — might not adversely impact his career in the league past this season.

Gord Stellick, former general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, said he didn't necessarily agree with Reimer's position, but added that other on-ice factors would likely play a role in whether the 13-year NHL veteran is able to continue his career past this season.

“I would be looking at James Reimer the goaltender,” said Stellick, cohost of NHL Network Radio's morning show on Sirius XM.