James van Riemsdyk is a professional ice hockey left winger playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL as of October 2024. Born on May 4, 1989, in Middletown, New Jersey. Riemsdyk developed his skills through local youth hockey clubs before joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. He was drafted second overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. However, he decided to play college hockey at the University of New Hampshire before entering the NHL in 2009. As of October 2024, he has played over 1,000 NHL games and represented the U.S. at international tournaments, including the 2014 Winter Olympics.
James Van Riemsdyk teams
James Van Riemsdyk has played for multiple teams in his NHL career including the Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and as of October 2024, with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He started his NHL career in 2009 and is still active in the league.
Philadelphia Flyers
James van Riemsdyk signed an entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on April 1, 2009. He gained experience, playing for the Flyers' AHL affiliate team where he played seven games and scored one goal and one assist.
He made his NHL debut in October 2009, collecting his first NHL point in a Flyers victory over the Carolina Hurricanes. Later that month, he scored his first NHL goal against the Florida Panthers. His strong start earned him NHL Rookie of the Month honors in November after he posted nine points in 12 games. Riemsdyk finished his rookie season with 35 points (15 goals and 20 assists) in 78 games, contributing to the Flyers' playoff run. His first playoff goal came in a critical Game 7 victory during the 2010 Eastern Conference semifinals, as the Flyers became the third team in NHL history to return from a 3-0 series deficit.
Toronto Maple Leafs
In June 2012, van Riemsdyk was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for defenseman Luke Schenn. Over six seasons with Toronto, he posted multiple career highs. This included his first 30-goal season in the 2013–14 NHL season and his career-best 36 goals during the 2017–18 season.
Philadelphia Flyers second stint
He returned to the Flyers in July 2018, signing a five-year, $35 million contract as per Spotrac. His second stint with Philadelphia began with another injury, as he fractured his leg early in the 2018–19 season. However, van Riemsdyk recovered later in the season, finishing strong with 27 goals in 66 games.
Boston Bruins
Van Riemsdyk again left the Flyers and signed a one-year deal with the Boston Bruins as a free agent in July 2023. He had a strong start, scoring 15 points in his first 21 games, but his production slowed later in the season. Van Riemsdyk reached a career milestone by playing his 1,000th NHL game on March 5, 2024, against the Edmonton Oilers.
Columbus Blue Jackets
He signed a one-year contract with the Blue Jackets for the 2024-2025 season. Van Riemsdyk will be seen playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets for the first time in his NHL career.
FAQs on James Van Riemsdyk
A. No, James van Riemsdyk has never won the Stanley Cup.
A. James van Riemsdyk joined the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2024-2025 season.
A. James van Riemsdyk has two younger brothers Trevor van Riemsdyk and Brendan van Riemsdyk both are involved in ice hockey.
A. As of October 2024, James van Riemsdyk has played for four teams in the NHL. He has played for the Philadelphia Flyers, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Boston Bruins, and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
