The Columbus Blue Jackets are adding a veteran presence to a young team.
The club has signed free agent forward James van Riemsdyk to a one-year, $900k contract.
The news was first reported by TSN's Elliotte Friedeman.
van Riemsdyk, 35, had 11 goals and 27 assists in 71 games last season with the Boston Bruins. Before that, he had spent a combined 14 years with the Philadelphia Flyers (2009-2012; 2018-2023) and Toronto Maple Leafs (2012-2018).
“James van Riemsdyk has been a very consistent, productive player throughout his career," said Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell. "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."
Van Riemsdyk plays almost exclusively at left wing. He averaged 13:30 of ice time per game last season, the lowest average since his rookie season.
The Middletown, New Jersey native eclipsed the 1,000 game mark earlier in 2024, and has 311 goals and 328 assists (629 points) in his 1,011 career games. van Riemsdyk, who is 6'3" and 210lbs, was the second overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft.
