The 35-year-old forward played one season with the Bruins while spending the bulk of his career with the Philadelphia Flyers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. General manager Don Sweeney felt that van Riemsdyk would help the team with veteran leadership and on the power play.
He was signed to a $1 million deal this year which did not break the bank and he did see an uptick in his points during the regular season as he played 71 games, scoring eleven goals with 27 assists for 38 points and was a + 7 but 20 penalty minutes.
Van Riemsdyk was a factor in the playoffs as through 11 games, he had one goal with four assists for five points.
The Bruins have 17 players signed for next year and with $20.9 million in cap space, it gives Sweeney a chance to upgrade on all levels of his team including on the wing.
But there comes a point where the team needs to move on and get younger and faster and with plenty of unrestricted free agents entering the market and other prospects trying to make a name for themselves from Providence, the Bruins have plenty of options to upgrade and to cut van Riemsdyk loose.
Source: Bruins Latest - According to an insider, this player is done playing for the Bruins
POLL | ||
MAI 26 | 415 ANSWERS This Bruin has reportedly played his last game with the organization Will the Bruins consider re-signing James Van Riemsdyk? | ||
Yes | 163 | 39.3 % |
No | 252 | 60.7 % |
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