The Boston Bruins have been connected to two experienced forwards, Blake Wheeler and Kailer Yamamoto, who could receive Professional Tryout Offers (PTOs) from them as training camp draws near. Elias Lindholm, who was acquired by the Bruins to play top-line center, is currently available to play second-line right wing. Forwards Georgii Merkulov and Fabian Lysell of the Providence Bruins are contenders to step in and fill that hole with a strong camp, but general manager Don Sweeney may be searching for more experienced, safer choices, at least to start the 2024–25 season.
James Van Riemsdyk, a veteran who played for Boston in 2023–24 and is a free agency without a contract, is another experienced player who might be a trustworthy choice. The 35-year-old wing Van Riemsdyk, who mainly plays on the left side, may sign a PTO with the team and offer some insurance, much like Danton Heinen did prior to the 2018–19 campaign. Van Riemsdyk had a strong start to the previous season but lost steam as it progressed, ending with 71 regular season games played with 11 goals and 27 assists. In 11 postseason games, the 6-foot-3, 207-pound forward contributed four assists in addition to one goal.
In 1,011 regular season games, Van Riemsdyk has 311 goals and 318 assists overall. In the event that the prospects in line are not quite ready, the Middletown, New Jersey native provides a reliable veteran option. Van Riemsdyk, who was a positive influence in the locker room and is aware of the demands of playing in the NHL, would benefit from a PTO. Even though the 35-year-old former UNH standout is heavy in the legs, any NHL team might benefit from his determination to get to the net and menace on the power play. Van Riemsdyk would prefer to sign a one-year deal, but because the offseason is running out, it could be a better idea to stick with Boston, an East Coast franchise he is familiar with. And Boston’s team may have the same kind of ease.
