Old Faces in New Places: NHL Free Agency Roundup Pt. 4

Finally, for the first and last time in this series, we're gonna talk about an American. James Van Riemsdyk (AKA JVR) was the biggest American signing of this summers free agency period. JVR is also the first player, in this series, that will be joining a team he previously played for.

Previous Season (With Toronto Maple Leafs): 81 Games Played, 36 Goals, 18 Assists, 54 Points

If you know hockey, you know that means JVR is headed back to the team that drafted him, the Philadelphia Flyers. He will be joining the Flyers after six seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs. JVR is coming off one of the most successful seasons of his career. His 36 goals were the most he's scored in a single season. The Leafs season ended in a seven-game series against the Boston Bruins in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. While the playoff run didn't last long JVR put up decent numbers, scoring three goals, and adding an assist. During his six-year stint in Toronto JVR enjoyed solid success. In the four seasons, he played 80 or more games he potted at least 54 points. While that may not compare to some of the names previously mentioned JVR does play a different style. He certainly has a nose for the net but plays his best hockey when he's able to throw his weight around and play as more of a two-way winger. This style of play is a big reason he will fit in when he returns to Philadelphia.

Those who know about the city of Philadelphia know that they love their sports teams, especially when those teams play physically. JVR should bring some of that to the "City of Brotherly Love". He left Philly after the 2011-12 season where he only played in 43 regular season games. This is unfortunately worth noting, because throughout his professional career JVR has a tendency to play two 80 plus game seasons, to then only play in about 40 the next season. While I obviously hope this doesn't happen it is worth keeping an eye on. With that said JVR should be in for a pretty solid season if he can stay healthy. He will be joining a team that has plenty of solid players at the center position, which should allow JVR to play up and down the line-up when needed. However, I would assume a good chunk of his minutes will come alongside Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. Last season saw Sean Couturier, a very similar player to JVR, have the best season of his career playing next to those two. With JVR coming in to fill that spot it will allow Couturier to move back to his favored position at center.

Prediction: While JVR left a lot of young talent in Toronto he will be joining a team that has two full-blown All-Stars. The fact that he could be joining them on a line all season is exciting, and in addition, he should see power play time. I think JVR could be headed for a career year: 40 Goals, 26 Assists, 66 Points.

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