James van Riemsdyk joins Blue Jackets for 2023 season

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed veteran left winger James van Riemsdyk to a one-year contract worth $900,000. This decision comes shortly after general manager Don Waddell publicly acknowledged the team's need for additional forwards. Van Riemsdyk, who is 35 years old, had a productive season with the Boston Bruins, scoring 12 goals and providing 27 assists in 72 games. His extensive experience includes over 1,000 games played with teams like Philadelphia, Toronto, and Boston. Waddell emphasized the importance of van Riemsdyk's ability to consistently score double-digit goals each season, which is a critical need for the Blue Jackets. The signing was also influenced by the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, which left the team in a difficult position. Waddell confirmed that van Riemsdyk was aware of the situation and felt comfortable joining the team. The decision to sign van Riemsdyk rather than offering him a professional tryout was strategic, as Waddell noted that other teams were interested in him. The urgency to secure his contract stemmed from a desire to avoid losing him to another team. Waddell gathered his team to finalize the signing, demonstrating a proactive approach to strengthening the roster. As the Blue Jackets prepare for training camp, van Riemsdyk's addition is seen as a positive step towards enhancing the team's offensive capabilities. His experience and scoring ability are expected to contribute significantly to the team's performance in the upcoming season.