Blue Jackets sign JVR to 1-year, $900K deal

The Columbus Blue Jackets signed free-agent winger James van Riemsdyk to a one-year, $900,000 contract, the team announced Sunday.

Van Riemsdyk tallied 11 goals and 27 assists in 71 games with the Boston Bruins last season, playing predominately a third-line role.

The 35-year-old has enjoyed seven 20-goal seasons in his 15-year NHL career, with the latest such campaign coming as recently as 2021-22 when he potted 24 with the Philadelphia Flyers. His career high of 36 goals came with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2017-18.

Van Riemsdyk will provide the Blue Jackets with some much needed depth up front, veteran leadership for a young squad, and a net-front presence on the power play. He's scored 93 of his 311 career goals with the man advantage.