In the world of professional hockey, it’s not uncommon for players to find themselves in a moment of uncertainty as they navigate through free agency. For James van Riemsdyk, the 2024-25 campaign was no exception. The 6-foot-3 winger, fresh off a one-year deal with the Boston Bruins, found himself in uncharted territory as he waited patiently to discover which team he would be suiting up for next.
Unlike his previous experiences with unrestricted free agency, van Riemsdyk had to endure waiting past the first day of free agency before finally securing a spot with the Columbus Blue Jackets on a one-year, $900,000 deal. Reflecting on the process, van Riemsdyk shared with TSN’s First Up, “I was obviously going through my options throughout the summer and had to be a little be more patient than years past. I’ve only heard great things [about Columbus] from guys who have played here, like Scott Hartnell, Jody Shelly, and Cam Atkinson. So, I couldn’t be more excited to be here with this group of guys and this team.”
At 35 years old, van Riemsdyk takes pride in his ability to remain a competitive force in the NHL. With 11 goals and 38 points in 71 games for the Bruins last season, along with a goal and five points in the playoffs before being ousted by the Florida Panthers, van Riemsdyk continues to defy expectations. He emphasizes the importance of continuous growth and improvement, stating, “Over the years, you learn more and more – whether it’s about training, nutrition, recovery, and how you can continue to reinvent yourself while maximizing your abilities. I’m always kind of tinkering with things and evolving so I can still feel good. It comes with a lot of help from a lot of smart people that I’ve been lucky to cross paths with over the years. But it’s definitely something I enjoy, to figure out to feel my best to play at this level.”
As van Riemsdyk embarks on his first season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, he enters a dressing room still grappling with the loss of star winger Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically passed away on August 29. Having played alongside Gaudreau at the 2019 World Championship, van Riemsdyk acknowledges the weight of the loss, but is focused on honoring his memory through the game they both love.
In a sport where resilience and dedication reign supreme, James van Riemsdyk stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a seasoned athlete, poised to make his mark on a new team and a new season.
