MONTREAL—In the days before James Reimer was drafted by the Maple Leafs in 2006, he once pondered the possibility of making his pro career in California.

“I’d love to play hockey in all that sunshine,” Reimer said.

He got the opportunity to experience Golden State living on Saturday, when he was traded by the Maple Leafs to the San Jose Sharks for a conditional fourth-round draft pick in 2018 and a pair of pro journeymen.

The Leafs also sent minor-leaguer Jeremy Morin to the Sharks

Reimer, who was informed he’d be leaving the only NHL team he’s ever known a little after 2 p.m., said in an interview at the team hotel shortly thereafter he was “shocked” by the transaction.

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“But I’m excited, San Jose’s a good team,” Reimer said. “They’re in the West so I don’t know too much about them. But it’s a good opportunity to do some damage in the playoffs.”

The Leafs acquired 28-year-old goaltender Alex Stalock, who has spent the majority of his career in the AHL, and 27-year-old forward Ben Smith, who has split the season between the AHL and NHL. The conditional fourth-round pick in 2018 will become a third-round pick if the Sharks advance to the Stanley Cup final this season.

In 14 games with the AHL’s Barracuda, Smith has collected 10 points (eight goals, two assists). The Winston-Salem, N.C., native has also skated in six games with the Sharks this season. In 181 NHL games between San Jose and the Chicago Blackhawks, Smith has recorded 25 goals and 19 assists for 44 career points.

But Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello said the key to the deal was opening up an NHL opportunity for the Leafs’ AHL-based goaltenders, Garret Sparks and Antoine Bibeau.

Sparks, who was occasionally spectacular in a five-game stretch with the Leafs earlier this season before he was felled by injury, was called up to back up Jonathan Bernier for Saturday night’s game against the Canadiens.

“Our coaching staff and management has to find out how (Sparks and Bibeau) will play (in the NHL),” Lamoriello said. “There is quite a difference (between the AHL and NHL). You find out a little more. The shooters are at a different level. We have to find that out.”

Reimer, who played in 207 career games for the Maple Leafs with a .914 save percentage, said Saturday’s news didn’t come as a complete surprise. He knew he was one of a handful of goaltenders who’d possibly be on the market in advance of Monday’s trade deadline. Still, given he has been a member of the organization since 2006 — and given that he began playing for the big-league club back in 2010-11 — he described his emotional state on Saturday as “a little all over the place.”

“It’s a new opportunity, so you’re excited for a new opportunity. But at the same time it’s the place where I’ve been for a long time. Obviously I have a lot of good relationships here. My whole career’s been here. In some senses, it’s kind of sad,” Reimer said. “But like I said, it’s a new opportunity, so I’m excited about it. It’s another avenue to have some success. You try to make the most of it.”

Reimer, who turns 28 next month, said he spoke briefly to San Jose GM Doug Wilson, who told him the Sharks swung the deal because they’re of the belief Reimer gives them a better chance in the playoffs.

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Reimer said he was looking forward to getting back to the Stanley Cup tournament — he played seven games in the Maple Leafs’ most recent trip there — but wasn’t looking forward to bidding Toronto adieu.

“This city (of Toronto) is phenomenal,” Reimer said. “Who knows what’s going to transpire in the future. But I just think back to my first year in the playoffs and the way I was supported and whatnot. Obviously there have been some tough times. But Toronto, the following they have, it’s been unbelievable.”

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With files from Kevin McGran

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