Forward James van Riemsdyk has signed a one-year deal to join the Columbus Blue Jackets, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman has confirmed.
The 35-year-old American was an unrestricted free agent and signed for $900,000, coming off a $1 million deal with the Bruins last season.
The veteran had 11 goals in 71 games for Boston, but had 24 two seasons ago while with the Flyers. Van Riemsdyk played eight seasons for the Flyers, sandwiched around a six-year stint in Toronto with the Maple Leafs.
Speaking with The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline, van Riemsdyk understands that he is joining a Blue Jackets locker room that is grieving after Johnny Gaudreau’s tragic death and will do what he can to help his new teammates.
“The outpouring of support and love — just so many people wanting to rally behind the Gaudreau family — has been really moving,” van Riemsdyk said.
“The hockey world, we’re a brotherhood. We look after each other and try to be there for each other, and that’s going to be an element of this. There are going to be some things here outside of the game of hockey.
“It’s not a linear thing, right? There will be good days, but some days are going to be tough. We’re going to support each other as much as we possibly can.”
He has 311 goals in 1,011 NHL regular-season games, to go with 318 assists, plus another 36 points in 82 playoff games.