The National Hockey League’s free agent period officially kicked off on July 1, and Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Izelman acted quickly to sign veteran forward James Van Riemsdyk. Van Riemsdyk, who was the second overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers—just one spot ahead of his current teammate Patrick Kane—has agreed to a one-year deal with the Red Wings valued at $1 million. In addition to this base salary, he can earn an extra $750,000 through performance bonuses.
During a virtual press conference, Van Riemsdyk mentioned that the Red Wings had shown interest in him during a previous stretch of unrestricted free agency. “It felt a little strange because it seemed like they were interested in bringing me on board a few years ago,” he said. “Now, with the team gearing up for a strong run next season, it feels like a great fit.”
With 1,082 NHL games under his belt, Van Riemsdyk has built his reputation as a strong presence right in front of the net. “The more I played that role, especially toward the end of the season and during playoffs, the more important it felt to score those crucial goals,” he explained. “That’s what makes being in that spot on the ice so appealing for me.”
One of the best net-front players in recent NHL history was former Red Wings forward Thomas Holmstrom, and Van Riemsdyk acknowledged being influenced by Holmstrom’s game. “He was the guy I admired over the years for how he used his skills to dominate in front of the net,” Van Riemsdyk said.
Van Riemsdyk began his NHL career with the Flyers before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2012, where he played six seasons. He then returned to the Flyers in 2018 and had a stint with the Boston Bruins as well. Over his career, Van Riemsdyk has played in 1,082 NHL games, scoring 327 goals and tallying 338 assists, plus adding 21 goals and 15 assists in 82 playoff games.
Fan Take: This signing is significant for hockey fans because Van Riemsdyk’s experience and net-front skills could give the Red Wings a much-needed offensive boost as they aim to become playoff contenders again. His presence on the team also highlights how veteran leadership remains vital in shaping the future of competitive NHL franchises.
