James van Riemsdyk Signs 1-Year Deal With Blue Jackets – Hockey Writers – Columbus Blue Jackets

James van Riemsdyk signed a one-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets reportedly worth $900,000. The 35-year-old veteran is not at the same level we saw him at the beginning of his career, but he is still a solid player who could do a good job as a middle-six striker for his new team.

Veterans Presence

These days, you can't expect more than 10-15 goals a season from van Riemsdyk as he's fallen off his 36-goal days with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2017-18. That being said, as a third baseman he is still active and brings a lot of experience to the table as well. He never won any hardware during his career, but he has had some good seasons over the years, especially during his time in Toronto. He also played well as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers and even the Boston Bruins last season.

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In the 2023–24 season, van Riemsdyk scored 11 goals and had 27 assists for a total of 38 points in 71 games. Averaging nearly half a point per game is respectable for a third-string player.

Fits Columbus

van Riemsdyk is far from a superstar, but he is an effective player who can still contribute offensively and in front of the net. He's best suited for a third-line role at this point, and that's likely where he'll fit in for the Blue Jackets. As a 35-year-old who has never lifted a Stanley Cup, his goal for the rest of his career seems clear. He probably won't accomplish that in Columbus this season, but a strong performance with the Blue Jackets could make him a good trade lure at the deadline.

The Blue Jackets could play him at the top of the lineup as a veteran player like Adam Fantilli, or if new coach Dean Evason breaks the Russian line, someone like Kirill Marchenko.

Overall, the addition of van Riemsdyk gives the Blue Jackets a body that can fill a position of need during the season. He will likely leave again at the trade deadline, which will allow them to add another asset to the mix in a few months.