Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman described a Swiss Army knife approach for newcomer James van Riemsdyk.

The Red Wings made a surprising move in free agency when adding an older veteran to the lineup in winger James van Riemsdyk. As Detroit looks to build up their offence they add a 36-year-old, who has never hit marks bigger than 50-60 points and is towards the end of his career. 

Little do the general public know, van Riemsdyk plays a pivotal role and he plays it very well. A hardstop netfront presence can add to any team as the NHL moves in the direction of goaltenders being so good at stopping the puck that tipped pucks and screens are a key in trying to score.

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Luckily for the Red Wings, they've nabbed a player that can do both as van Riemsdyk is a tall 6-foot-3 with a wide frame that helps make him a pest in front of the net. 

Over his last three seasons, van Riemsdyk has scored 39 goals with 33 of them coming in the slot. He has also continued to work as a playmaker in old age with 36 or more points in all but one of his last nine seasons. 

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Opposing teams may be writing off JVR but Detroit sees him as a Swiss Army knife as GM Steve Yzerman told media on Thursday, that he will be used in various roles with one of them potentially being on the top line with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. 

He'll be able to slide into any of the top three lines as a true top-nine forward that can also see time on the power play like he did briefly last season with Columbus as a big body in front of the net. One thing we can count on from the veteran is a consistent 30-40 points like always while also adding some valuable insight to the young players as a 16-year veteran. 

He could help players like Elmer Soderblom and Michael Rasmussen better learn how to use their large frame and be effective like how van Riemsdyk has made a career for himself.

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