This Bruins forward will likely not be back next season.
This Bruins forward will likely not be back next season.
During the 2023 NHL Offseason, the Boston Bruins signed James van Riemsdyk to a one-year, $1 million contract. With the Bruins having very little cap space and needing more forwards, they brought in the veteran winger for their bridge year.
However, now that the Bruins have a lot of money entering the summer and want to improve their roster, it seems pretty likely that van Riemsdyk won't be back in Boston for the 2024-25 season.
van Riemsdyk, 35, proved to be a decent bargain addition, posting 11 goals, 38 points, and a plus-7 rating in 71 games. However, he noticeably cooled off down the stretch and was more of a depth forward at the end of the regular season. He did, however, see a good amount of playoff action, recording a goal and four helpers in 11 games.
With Don Sweeney making it clear that he wants to improve scoring and the Bruins having younger players who could jump up in the lineup, JVR may have played his final game in Boston. If he does, in fact, hit the market, there should be some interest there, as he still produces well in a bottom-six role and is effective on the power play.
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