One of the top remaining free-agent forwards was signed on Sunday. Former Boston Bruins player James van Riemsdyk agreed to a one-year contract worth $900,000 with the Columbus Blue Jackets, providing the team with some veteran leadership.
It was somewhat surprising that van Riemsdyk took this long to be signed. Heading into training camp week, he was considered the top free agent still available and seemed like an ideal fit for a contender looking to add experience and production to their bottom-six forward group.
James van Riemsdyk begins the 2024-25 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Last season with the Bruins, he recorded 11 goals and 27 assists in 71 regular-season games. Early in the season, he contributed significantly on the power play, positioning himself effectively in front of the net. He also moved throughout the lineup under coach Jim Montgomery.
Overall, this is a savvy move by Columbus GM Don Waddell, bringing in a versatile veteran who can play anywhere in the lineup and contribute. Additionally, if Columbus is not in playoff contention by March 7, van Riemsdyk could be traded at the deadline for a draft pick, likely a mid to late-round selection.
Columbus is the latest team for van Riemsdyk, and he might have been retained on a similar one-year deal with Boston. While the Bruins still need to sign Jeremy Swayman, for $900,000, and after the season van Riemsdyk had last year with Boston, he seemed worth the gamble. Perhaps by the trade deadline, Don Sweeney and Don Waddell can work out another deal, like the one last season that sent Andrew Peeke to Boston for Jakub Zboril.
