NHL Free Agency: 4 best fits for James van Riemsdyk

James van Riemsdyk is coming off a career season with 36 goals and 18 assists for 54 points. He is at the top of this offseason’s free agent list and will be looking for big money.

James van Riemsdyk is a fascinating free agent. He had a slow start to the season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, he exploded in the second half mainly due to his ridiculous powerplay numbers (11 goals and nine assists). van Riemsdyk enters NHL free agency as arguably the best wing available.

The way van Riemsdyk scores is also unique. His shot isn’t fantastic. He gets most of his goals from tip-ins right in front of the goaltender. JVR has some of the best hands in hockey. This allows him to tip pucks from everywhere. He can even tip pucks in with a stick between his legs.

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However, there are some downsides of JVR. His age (29) and his lousy defensive play are both legitimate concerns. Teams that will be interested in him will most likely have the following needs.

1. Have cap space

His offensive numbers are through the rook so JVR is looking for a long-term contract with big money.

2. Need powerplay improvement

The Maple Leafs’ second powerplay unit quickly became their first because of how efficient van Riemsdyk was at scoring on PPs. If a team is looking for a powerplay specialist, JVR is your guy.

3. Lack scoring

JVR’s defense is not good, but he can really score. If a team is looking to add more scoring to their roster, he will be a good fit.

Here are four teams that would be a good fit for James van Riemsdyk.

Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators have over $7 million in cap space to offer and they are on the verge of winning a Stanley Cup. IN the playoffs, Nashville was 8th out of 16 teams in powerplay goals which really sunk them. In the playoffs, special teams are the difference between life and death so getting JVR to improve the powerplay will give them the extra boost they need to go for it all.

This team needs more scoring and with such a good defense core, JVR’s defensive gaps will be covered up.

Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets have over $20 million in projected cap space. Even after factoring in their RFAs, that is more than enough to get JVR and more pieces to build on their Conference Finals loss. Winnipeg’s power play is lethal and the addition of van Riemsdyk’s net-front presence will add another weapon to their offense.

Edmonton Oilers

What better team to get the powerplay specialist than the team with the league’s worst powerplay? The Edmonton Oilers‘ powerplay is historically horrible at 14.8 percent, three percent worse than the second-worst team. Now obviously, that trend is not going to continue, but putting JVR on that powerplay will also help their numbers a lot.

The Oilers didn’t get much scoring from anyone other than Connor McDavid so adding JVR will help balance out their offense and give them more weapons to deploy. They would, however, have to move out some salary to get him.

New Jersey Devils

James van Riemsdyk is a New Jersey native and playing for your home team is every player’s dream. The New Jersey Devils have over $20 million in projected cap space because their team is still really young and affordable. JVR played with Toronto for 6 years so he’s used to being a veteran among impressionable rookies.

The Devils are a team on the rise with a whole lot of upside. They have a decent powerplay (10th in the league) and an addition of JVR will boost them up and give them more scoring depth.

Next: 5 best fits for Artemi Panarin

James van Riemsdyk is a long-time veteran who has seen the worst and came out a better player. He will improve the offense of any team that decides to sign him and will hopefully experience something beyond a first-round exit.

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