JVR sounds off on joining Jackets after Johnny's death.
James van Riemsdyk has signed with the Blue Jackets under unusual circumstances, but the NHL veteran is prepared for the challenge.
Veteran National Hockey League forward James van Riemsdyk has a fantastic reputation around the entire league, and on Sunday he once again showed the hockey community exactly why that is the case.
JVR made a difficult decision on Sunday when it was revealed that he had agreed to join the Columbus Blue Jackets on a one year deal. Not only did the Blue Jackets struggle last year, but this will obviously be an extremely unusual situation given the tragic death of star forward Johnny Gaudreau last month.
If anyone is equipped to take on such a unique challenge however, it is a well-respected player with JVR's wealth of experience on multiple teams across the league.
On Sunday, JVR was asked about the unique challenge that he was taking on by joining the Blue Jackets this season and, as we've come to expect from JVR, his response showcased what a thoughtful and classy individual the NHL veteran truly is.
JVR began by calling the events surrounding the deaths of the Gaudreau brothers "tragic" and "senseless" before noting that he was moved by the "outpouring of support and love" from the hockey community in response to the tragedy.
JVR also touched on the challenging dynamic both he and his teammates will have to face together this season.
"The hockey world, we're a brotherhood," said JVR as per Blue Jackets insider Aaron Portzline. "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."
Again it is exactly the kind of class and leadership that the hockey community has come to expect from JVR, and I honestly do take some comfort in knowing that there will be such a good and strong individual in that locker room. Hopefully JVR can play a role in helping the other members of the Blue Jackets' locker room and Blue Jackets organization as a whole get through this terrible tragedy.
