1000-game NHL veteran shocks fans after signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets

James van Riemsdyk has been a major player in the NHL, currently having 311 goals and 629 points in 1011 career games. In his 15 years in the league, he has played a major role with the Philadelphia Flyers and Toronto Maple Leafs before appearing on the ice for 71 regular season games and 11 postseason games in the 2023-24 season with the Boston Bruins, bringing him to his 1000th career game. JVR was honored in a ceremony for this feat ahead of Boston's game against his first NHL team, the Philadelphia Flyers.

In his last regular season with the Boston Bruins, the 35-year-old forward posted 11 goals and 38 total points. Despite these production rates, James van Riemsdyk was not set to play another season after the recent second-round playoff exit. Instead, he has shocked fans by signing with a relatively unexpected NHL team. According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, JVR will join the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2024-25 NHL season. Additionally, this will be a standard contract and not a PTO.

The Columbus Blue Jackets start their regular season on Thursday, October 10th against the Minnesota Wild. With James van Riemsdyk now added to the lineup, he can provide them with more left-wing depth and veteran experience. Hopefully, this will be enough to launch the team up in the league earlier in the season.

Source: Chris Johnston
Chris Johnston JVR announcement