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(Editor’s Note: This is another installment of a player-by-player analysis of the Detroit Red Wings’ roster for the 2025-26 season. The emphasis is on how each player performed and their future in the organization. Today, we discuss James van Riemsdyk (JVR) who just completed his first season in Detroit.)
James van Riemsdyk
Age: Turned 37 on May 4
Contract Status: Van Riemsdyk was on a one-year contract for $1 million, plus bonuses.
Last season’s contributions: Van Riemsdyk finished fifth on the team in scoring with 15 goals. He finished with 16 assists for 31 points. That placed him eighth on the team.
Grade: C+
Past
The Philadelphia Flyers drafted van Riemsdyk No. 2 overall in 2007, right behind Patrick Kane, because he had scoring touch in traffic. He still has his hands. The Red Wings signed him to a one-year contract last offseason with the hope he could score 16-18 goals.
His 15 goals were in the acceptable range. Van Riemsdyk had moments of success playing on the power play and in Detroit’s bottom six. In one stretch, in late November and early December, van Riemsdyk netted six goals in seven games over 14 days.
He had another stretch when he netted five goals in 11 games. At that point, he looked like he might score 20 goals. Teammates marveled at his ability to handle the puck in the crease area.
“I use (Tomas Holmstrom) as an example. Dave Andreychuk. Dino Ciccarelli,” Detroit coach Todd McLellan said. . Those guys went to the net and they used their stick for deflections, tip and screens. There was always some, rebound goals and that type of stuff. But Riemer has the ability to handle the puck in tight quarters and find people and I think that instinct or sense of where somebody might be, he’s been there so often and done it for so long that it happens.”
Present
At this stage of his career, van Riemsdyk’s career is year-to-year. You know what you are going to get if you sign van Riemsdyk today. He can chip in a few power play goals and add some even-strength goals. His not a top six forward. He is not likely a 20-goal scorer. He is a role player.
Over his past three seasons, he has averaged 14 goals per season.
We don’t know what GM Steve Yzerman said to van Riemsdyk at his exit interview. But his name did not come up when Yzerman talked with the media after the season about the need to score more goals next season.
Future
Detroit Hockey Now’s project the Red Wings re-signing van Riemsdyk. He was well liked in the dressing room. Good teammate. Coaches appreciated his ability to create chances near the goalmouth.
But if you look at his scoring ledger, he netted 14 goals in his first 43 games. When the Red Wings were pushing to make the playoffs down the stretch, JVR produced one goal in his last 29 games. When the Red Wings were looking desperately for goals, van Riemsdyk was among those who could not deliver. He was minus-17, which was one of the worst plus-minus ratings among Detroit forwards.
Plus, the Red Wings are looking to revamp their bottom-six forward group. They will need his roster spot for a prospect moving up from Grand Rapids.
Next contract: We don’t know whether JVR is considering retirement or joining another NHL team. Usually, players take their time, discuss it with their family, before making that decision. If he signs another deal, it will probably be in the $1 million to $1.2 million range.
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