TSN’s Chris Johnston is reporting the Columbus Blue Jackets have signed UFA ahead James van Riemsdyk. A number of moments later, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that it will be a one-year, $900K contract for van Riemsdyk in Columbus.
The veteran sniper will be a part of the fourth crew of his profession because the Blue Jackets inch nearer to the wage cap ground. It was reported Saturday that Columbus could be wanting so as to add up entrance after shifting on from Patrik Laine this summer season and the tragic lack of winger Johnny Gaudreau on the finish of final month. Ahead Justin Danforth isn’t anticipated to be prepared for the beginning of the common season because of a wrist harm which knocks the Blue Jackets all the way down to 10 wholesome forwards. Placing collectively an entire lineup is extra ahead within the thoughts of common supervisor Don Waddell as there isn’t an expectation the crew will likely be penalized for beginning the yr beneath the wage cap ground.
JVR is now not the offensive risk he was once with the Philadelphia Flyers and Toronto Maple Leafs however ought to moderately add some punch to the middle-six of Columbus’ ahead core. He’s coming off a one-year take care of the Boston Bruins by which he scored 11 targets and 38 factors in 71 video games whereas additionally skating in his 1,000th NHL contest. Most of his factors in Boston got here within the first half of the season with seven targets and 29 factors by way of the primary 41 video games. He solely managed 4 targets and 9 factors within the final 30 video games with out having a serious decline in ATOI.
Columbus can moderately anticipate 30-35 factors from JVR this yr however his actual worth could come by way of his management abilities. He made it to the Stanley Cup Remaining in his rookie marketing campaign with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2009-10 with seven extra appearances within the postseason since. He’s scored over 300 targets on the NHL stage and may very well be an incredible trainer to the variety of younger weapons on the Blue Jackets’ roster.
He could develop into a buy-low commerce candidate this season for contending groups wanting so as to add scoring of their backside six. The Blue Jackets are usually not anticipated to compete and van Riemsdyk’s $900K wage will likely be greater than reasonably priced to events. The now second-oldest participant in Columbus must make the most of the primary half of the yr if he hopes to compete for a Stanley Cup by the top of subsequent season.
