Although James Van Riemsdyk, now 35, may not be the star player he once was, he still had a notable performance last year, scoring 11 goals and 38 points in 71 games with the Boston Bruins. With him still being a free agent, and following a recent injury in Montreal, reports have now linked him to the Canadiens.
Signing a veteran like Van Riemsdyk might seem counterintuitive for a team still in a rebuilding phase. However, with Montreal's young core aiming to progress, securing JVR on a one-year deal for less than $1.5 million could be beneficial for both his experience and leadership.
Additionally, if he maintains his previous performance, he could turn into a valuable trade asset come the deadline, making this a potentially smart move for the Canadiens.
While other teams are still eyeing the veteran forward, interest may be waning as the season approaches. Montreal might seize this opportunity to make a decisive push to secure him in the coming weeks.