TSN links Maple Leafs to James van Riemsdyk
Could JVR be heading back to Toronto?
There are a handful of remaining restricted free agents that are still available as Training Camp approaches for all 32 NHL clubs, and one of the more intriguing forwards still trying to land a new contract is former No. 2 overall pick James van Riemsdyk.
What are the chances that he could return to one of his former clubs? Don't be surprised to see it happen, according to a new report via TSN. On "First Up", analysts Aaron Korolnek and Dave Feschuk opined that among the options for the Toronto Maple Leafs is a reunion with van Riemsdyk:
"The Maple Leafs are reportedly interested in adding to their left-wing depth, which I think makes a lot of sense considering what they currently have on their roster and what they currently don't, with Nick Robertson remaining unsigned as a restricted free agent. I did look to see who's out there. Who's available? James van Riemsdyk -- what a reunion that would be, a possibility. Max Pacioretty, maybe Nick Cousins."
van Riemsdyk was chosen with the No. 2 overall pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2007 NHL Draft, and would play the first three seasons of his career with them while scoring 47 goals in 196 games before being traded to the Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Luke Schenn.
He would go on to play in 412 regular season games with the Leafs, scoring 154 goals before electing to return to the Flyers in 2018. After five seasons in his second stint with the Flyers, he signed a one-year contract with the Boston Bruins and scored 11 goals and 27 assists in 2023-24.
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