Major twist as James van Riemsdyk signs with Columbus Blue Jackets

This move adds depth to their forward group as they prepare for the 2024-25 season.

Several reports earlier in the week had confirmed that 35-year-old NHL veteran James Van Riemsdyk would be joining the Seattle Kraken on a professional tryout. However in a major twist of fate the Columbus Blue Jackets came in for the steal.

James van Riemsdyk, 35, tallied 11 goals and 38 points in 71 games with the Boston Bruins during the 2023-24 regular season. He was a key contributor in their playoff run, adding a goal and five points in 11 games before the Bruins were eliminated by the Florida Panthers in the second round.

The 6-foot-3 winger signed a one-year deal with the Bruins last July for $1 million, proving his consistency with strong offensive output. Over his extensive career, van Riemsdyk has played 1,011 games across three teams-the Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins-amassing 311 goals and 629 points.

A native of Middletown, New Jersey, van Riemsdyk has represented the United States on multiple occasions. He played in the 2014 Winter Olympics, contributing a goal and seven points in a fourth-place finish. Additionally, he appeared in the World Championship twice and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

This signing by the Blue Jackets could provide a veteran presence and reliable offensive production for a team looking to compete in the upcoming season.

Source:
Blue Jackets sign veteran F van Riemsdyk on one-year deal