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Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell doesn't mince words after signing "not the fastest guy in the world" James van Riemsdyk
The Columbus Blue Jackets have bolstered their roster after the signing of veteran winger James van Riemsdyk to a one-year contract worth $900,000 for the 2024-25 season.
The announcement was made on Sunday, marking a significant upgrade in the team's depth. Last term, van Riemsdyk played for the Boston Bruins, where he notched up 38 points, including 11 goals and 27 assists, in 71 games.
Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell recently addressed the signing of James van Riemsdyk, candidly acknowledging that while he may not be the fastest player at his age, his consistent ability to score double-digit goals each season is precisely what the team needs.
Waddell highlighted the importance of adding goal-scoring talent to the roster and noted that he had spoken with Bruins GM Don Sweeney, who praised van Riemsdyk's character and contributions (via The Athletic):
“He’s not the fastest guy in the world,” Waddell said. “He’s 35. But every year, he gets double-digit goals. That’s what we need. We need goals. I talked to (Bruins GM) Don Sweeney during the (NHL prospect challenge game on Saturday) and he had great things to say about him. You can’t find anybody who will say anything bad about him.”
Waddell emphasized that van Riemsdyk is fully aware of his situation and the team's dynamics, confirming that they had a conversation to ensure he felt comfortable joining the club:
“He’s very aware of everything that’s happened, obviously,” Waddell said of van Riemsdyk. “We talked about it, just to make sure that he was comfortable joining out club, and he 100 percent is,” he added.
Don Waddell is confident about James van Riemsdyk's consistency and leadership
Waddell emphasized that van Riemsdyk's arrival in Columbus will enhance the team's offensive depth while also providing valuable leadership and experience in the locker room.
"James van Riemsdyk has been a very consistent, productive player throughout his career and bringing him to Columbus will not only provide depth to our group up front, but also valuable leadership and another veteran presence in our dressing room,” said Waddell (via NHL.com).
The 35-year-old veteran was drafted No. 2 overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2007 NHL draft. Van Riemsdyk spent eight seasons with the Flyers before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he played for six seasons.
He's accumulated 629 points through 311 goals and 318 assists in 1,011 career games.
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