Now that we are in August, the NHL offseason has cooled off rather significantly. The majority of teams have a strong understanding of what their rosters will look like for this upcoming season. In addition, most of the big-name free agents who hit the market this summer have found their new homes.
While the talent on the free-agent market has dwindled significantly, some solid names remain unsigned. The best of the bunch is former Philadelphia Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk.
After van Riemsdyk’s five-year, $35 million contract expired with the Flyers during the 2023 NHL Offseason, he quickly signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Boston Bruins. However, it has not been as easy for van Riemsdyk to land a deal this time around, as he is still on the market.
Although van Riemsdyk has not been signed, he did have a decent season with the Bruins in 2023-24. In 71 games with the Original Six club, he posted 11 goals, 38 points, and a plus-7 rating. This was after van Riemsdyk had 29 points in 61 games during his final year with the Flyers, so he had a better season in Boston.
Given van Riemsdyk’s strong resume and decent 2023-24 campaign, it is possible that he will find a new home on a cheap one-year deal before the start of the season. Clubs looking for more production in their bottom six and that need help on their power play could take a flier on JVR.
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In 527 games over two stints and eight seasons with the Flyers, van Riemsdyk had 146 goals, 151 assists, and 297 points.
