The Columbus Blue Jackets have made a significant addition to their roster, signing veteran forward James van Riemsdyk to a one-year, $900,000 contract. The 35-year-old winger brings a wealth of experience and scoring prowess to the team, having tallied 38 points (11 goals, 27 assists) in 71 games with the Boston Bruins last season.
Van Riemsdyk’s signing provides a boost to the Blue Jackets’ offense, which struggled at times in the 2023-24 campaign. His ability to create scoring opportunities and contribute on the power play will be invaluable to Columbus. With over 800 games of NHL experience, van Riemsdyk’s veteran presence will also provide stability and leadership to the team’s younger players.
The affordable contract reflects van Riemsdyk’s desire to prove himself in a shorter-term deal, and Columbus’s willingness to take a low-risk, high-reward gamble on a seasoned scorer. As training camp approaches, van Riemsdyk will look to cement his spot in the Blue Jackets’ lineup and contribute to the team’s push for a playoff spot. His addition marks an exciting development for Columbus fans, eager to see how the veteran forward will mesh with the team’s core players.
