James van Riemsdyk – Philadelphia Flyers
Maybe James van Riemsdyk would appreciate a trade within driving distance. JVR grew up in New Jersey, but he was in Flyers country. That’s how he ended up with the franchise twice. He likely loved being with the Flyers, but it’s a very hard place to be in 2023. The team is coached by John Tortorella, and he’s trying his best to get the “most” out of the team. That likely doesn’t leave room for JVR.
The Devils would be an interesting fit for van Riemsdyk. He’s having a down season with only eight goals and 11 assists on the season, but he’s been held to just 31 games. He’s coming off a 24-goal season in 2021-22. His shooting percentage is still right around his career average of 12 percent. That just says he needs to shoot more to be more effective.
Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Dawson Mercer would all get more goals out of JVR. He needs to be in a better place that could get the most out of his skills. That’s not in Philadelphia anymore.
James van Riemsdyk is going to come pretty cheap. The Devils wouldn’t even have to give up a top prospect. This would cost a mid-round pick, and that’s it. If Tom Fitzgerald is looking to get a little bang for his buck, this might be the right move.