Maple Leafs Claim Gerber, Reitz Off Waivers

The Toronto Maple Leafs were busy on the waiver wire Wednesday by claiming goaltender Martin Gerber off waivers from the Ottawa Senators and defenseman Erik Reitz from the New York Rangers. With rumors swirling that the Maple Leafs are going to shut down Vesa Toskala for the rest of the season due to an injury, they were looking to shore up their goaltending for the rest of the season. Gerber has struggled all season, being placed on waivers numerous times and being demoted to the Senators' AHL affiliate in Binghamton. In 14 games this season, Gerber is 4-9-1 with a GAA of 2.86 and a .899 save percentage. Gerber will be an adequate replacement for Toskala for the rest of the season as backup Curtis Joseph and prospect Justin Pogge have struggled in net for the Maple Leafs. Reitz had originally been acquired by the Rangers from Minnesota in January for Dan Fritsche. In 42 games this season, Reitz has one goal and one assist. This is a good pickup for the Maple Leafs, as Reitz is a very gritty player who could mesh well with some of the the other young defensemen on the team.