As the NHL free agency period drags on, with most top players already off the market, a few notable names remain unsigned. Among them is a former No. 2 overall draft pick with strong ties to the Toronto Maple Leafs. According to a report from TSN’s Dave Feschuk, the Maple Leafs are considering reuniting with forward James van Riemsdyk to bolster their left-wing depth.
On the August 26 edition of TSN’s “First Up,” analysts Aaron Korolnek and Feschuk discussed the possibility of van Riemsdyk returning to Toronto. “The Maple Leafs are reportedly looking to add depth on the left wing, which makes a lot of sense given their current roster situation, especially with Nick Robertson still unsigned as a restricted free agent,” Feschuk noted. “I checked to see who’s still available, and James van Riemsdyk stood out. A reunion is definitely a possibility.”
Van Riemsdyk, originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2007, began his NHL career with the Flyers before being traded to the Maple Leafs in 2012 in exchange for defenseman Luke Schenn. During his time in Toronto, van Riemsdyk played 412 regular-season games and scored 154 goals. He returned to the Flyers in 2018 and most recently played for the Boston Bruins, where he tallied 11 goals and 27 assists during the 2023–24 season.
In his latest 32 Thoughts column, published on August 25, Sportsnet hockey insider Elliotte Friedman mentioned that the Maple Leafs are focused on strengthening their left wing, hinting that a move might be imminent. “There are things percolating out there, including Toronto considering left-wing options,” Friedman wrote.
As of August 27, van Riemsdyk is ranked as the top remaining free agent by Daily Faceoff, making a potential reunion with the Maple Leafs a significant move to watch as the offseason progresses.
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