Western Conference team inks 1,000-game veteran James Van Riemsdyk

Several players have signed PTO contracts recently as teams prepare for internal competition during camp. While some players are brought in to create depth, others see this as an opportunity to make a lasting impression. Van Riemsdyk could very well fall into the latter category.

Several reports confirm that 35-year-old NHL veteran James Van Riemsdyk is joining the Seattle Kraken on a professional tryout.

The Seattle Kraken, after an active offseason that saw key signings such as Chandler Stephenson and Brandon Montour, are still looking to enhance their roster. While they made significant moves, they aren't the deepest team in the league, and Van Riemsdyk's experience could bolster their bottom-six forward group.

Having played 1,011 regular season games, along with 82 playoff appearances, van Riemsdyk brings a wealth of experience. He has spent time with teams like the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, and Toronto Maple Leafs. Throughout his career, he has accumulated 629 points, with 311 goals to his name. Last season, while playing with the Bruins, the 35-year-old left-winger contributed 38 points, including 11 goals, in 71 games, demonstrating that he still has the ability to make an impact on a team's depth chart.

Ron Francis, the Kraken's general manager, may consider offering Van Riemsdyk a standard player contract should he perform well during training camp. The 35-year-old could be a valuable addition to Seattle's roster as they prepare for the 2024-25 season.

Van Riemsdyk's future in the NHL will depend on his showing in training camp, but he certainly has the skillset and experience to earn a spot on the Kraken's lineup.

Source: Kraken Canada on X

Source for James Van Riemsdyk's statistics: NHL.com}»