The Boston Bruins have made their first addition to the NHL’s free agency roster.
The Bs, according to multiple reports, have agreed to a one-year contract worth $1 million with forward James van Riemsdyk.
Van Riemsdyk was the No. 2 pick in the 2007 NHL Draft and played 14 seasons between the Philadelphia Flyers and Toronto Maple Leafs. He has spent the past five seasons with the Flyers. Van Riemsdyk scored just 12 goals in 61 games last season, half his total 2021-22 output. However, in the last five years with the Flyers, van Riemsdyk averaged 19.8 goals per season.
Betting that JVR is still someone who can approach 20 goals in a full season is a valid bet for the Bruins, especially at the low price of just $1 million. The 34-year-old veteran could play left wing or right wing on the third line in Boston.
Van Riemsdyk also gives the Bruins a good presence in net, especially on the power play, which they will need if Tyler Bertuzzi leaves in free agency. Van Riemsdyk has scored 33 power-play goals over the past five seasons.
The Bruins now have about $12.6 million in salary cap space after that deal with Van Riemsdyk. Boston has seven forwards, six defensemen and one guard under contract.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Bruins were targeting a few other low-cost veterans in the free agent market.