James Van Riemsdyk

James van Riemsdyk, often referred to as JVR, is an accomplished American professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL. His career began in the minor leagues of New Jersey, where he honed his skills before joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Van Riemsdyk was drafted second overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, marking the start of a remarkable journey in professional hockey.

After a successful collegiate career at the University of New Hampshire, where he led his team in scoring, van Riemsdyk made his NHL debut in 2009. He quickly established himself as a key player for the Flyers, contributing significantly during playoff runs and showcasing his scoring ability. His career took a pivotal turn in 2012 when he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he achieved personal bests in goals and points, including scoring the 20,000th goal in Maple Leafs history.

In 2018, van Riemsdyk returned to the Flyers on a lucrative five-year contract, where he continued to demonstrate his offensive prowess, including reaching his 500th career NHL point in 2021. His ability to perform under pressure was evident during critical playoff games, solidifying his reputation as a clutch player. Throughout his career, he has also represented the United States in various international tournaments, including the Winter Olympics.

Most recently, van Riemsdyk signed a one-year contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2024-25 season, continuing to bring his veteran experience and skill to the ice. His journey through the NHL has been marked by numerous milestones, including his 1,000th NHL game, and he remains a respected figure in the hockey community, known for his contributions both on and off the ice.