Philadelphia Flyers entered the NHL free agency in a big way. Flyers announced on Sunday that they have agreed to terms with free-agent left wing James van Riemsdyk, who will join the team on a five year, $35 million deal. This way, the 29-year-old will return to the organization that drafted him back in 2007. The news was confirmed on Flyers social media.
WELCOME BACK, @JVReemer21!!
The #Flyers have agreed to terms with free agent LW on a five-year contract. More info: https://t.co/N2eHBtKBTV pic.twitter.com/Qmd28y2EvF
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) July 1, 2018
After James van Riemsdyk’s contract with Toronto Maple Leafs expired, there were reportedly around 10 NHL teams who wanted to have him on their roster. Still, the player wanted to get back “home” after talking to several Flyers’ players who remained in Philadelphia since his first stint.
“I heard from ‘G’ and I talked to Jake Voracek, as well.” – van Riemsdyk. “It was good. I did my homework in the situation to talk to guys that were still there, some guys that maybe are not there anymore but that were there recently, just to get a feel of where things are at. I have the comfortability with knowing a lot about the organization having played there in the past and having a lot of familiar faces still on the staff. That sense of comfortability is definitely there.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to be coming back to Philadelphia. They have a great thing in place and I’m happy to be a part of that now and I’m looking forward to getting on the ice.” – he added.
James van Riemsdyk was taken second overall in 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Flyers and made his debut for the organization in 2009. In 2012 he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs and helped the organization to the first playoffs appearance since the 2003-04 season in his first year. Still, the Maple Leafs never managed to make a deep run in the playoffs and van Riemsdyk decided it is time for a change of scenery.
In 609 NHL career games, James van Riemsdyk has a total of 201 goals scored alongside 393 assists.
