Former Boston Bruins Forward Looks to Provide Guidance for Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed veteran left wing James van Riemsdyk to a one-year, $900,000 contract for the 2024-25 season, club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell announced Sunday.

The 35-year-old van Riemsdyk has recorded 311 goals and 318 assists while averaging 16:11 of ice time in 1,011 career NHL games with the Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Boston Bruins. The former University of New Hampshire star has registered 21 goals and 15 assists in 82 appearances during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. During the 2023-24 season, Van Riemsdyk posted 11 goals and 27 assists in 71 regular season games with the Bruins and provided some effectiveness on the power play and leadership during the postseason.

“James van Riemsdyk has been a very consistent, productive player throughout his career, and bringing him to Columbus will not only provide depth to our group up front, but also valuable leadership and another veteran presence in our dressing room,” said Waddell.

A native of Middletown, New Jersey, van Riemsdyk was selected by Philadelphia second overall in the 2007 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut in 2009-10 and was an unrestricted free agent before signing with the Blue Jackets, who have been reeling after the sudden, tragic death of star forward Johnny Gaudreau.

In an interview with The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline, Van Riemsdyk spoke on the realization that he is going into a locker room that is grieving Johnny’s tragic passing, and he is ready to do anything to help his teammates through the tough days.

“The outpouring of support and love – just so many people wanting to rally behind the Gaudreau family – has been really moving,” Van Riemsdyk said. “The hockey world, we’re a brotherhood. We look after each other and try to be there for each other, and that’s going to be an element of this. There are going to be some things here outside of the game of hockey. It’s not a linear thing, right? There will be good days, but some days are going to be tough. We’re going to support each other as much as we possibly can.”

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