NHL winger James van Riemsdyk was one of the few remaining free agents — but Sunday, van Riemsdyk signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, filling their need for forward help.

As the NHL’s training camps are about to open up, there are a precious few job openings for players seeking employment. 

On Sunday afternoon, one of those NHLers, veteran winger James van Riemsdyk, took himself off the open market when he agreed to a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The 35-year-old van Riemsdyk, who is entering his 16th NHL season, fills a need for the Blue Jackets at the left-wing. As per THN Lineups, van Riemsdyk will start the season on Columbus’ third line, and he should also get some action on the Blue Jackets’ second power-play unit.

Last year, van Riemsdyk played 71 regular-season games for the Boston Bruins, posting 11 goals and 27 points. The American winger has played for three different NHL teams – the Philadelphia Flyers (on two occasions), Toronto Maple Leafs and Bruins – and he’s appeared in 1,011 career regular-season NHL games, generating 311 goals and 629 points in that span. 

Jackets GM Don Waddell recognizes what van Riemsdyk can bring to the club. "James van Riemsdyk has been a very consistent, productive player throughout his career and bringing him to Columbus will not only provide depth to our group up front, but also valuable leadership and another veteran presence in our dressing room,” said Waddell.

The Blue Jackets needed help on the wing after the unfortunate tragedy that killed star left winger Johnny Gaudreau. Still, van Riemsdyk will only be a secondary scoring option for Columbus. If the Blue Jackets aren’t in a playoff position by the trade deadline next spring, Jackets GM Don Waddell will almost certainly deal van Riemsdyk to a legitimate playoff contender for a draft pick.

Van Riemsdyk doesn’t have much competitive gas in the tank, but as a net-front presence who still has soft scoring hands, he can be someone who helps mentor Columbus’ young talents. He’s no longer the guy who routinely scored 25 to 35 goals per season, but if his minutes are managed effectively, he can chip in with a goal or two here and there and help the Blue Jackets put up a fight as they battle to avoid the basement in the Metropolitan Division. 

It’s a low-risk, decent-reward gamble for Waddell and the Jackets, but Columbus is better with van Riemsdyk, even if they’re only marginally better.