The Philadelphia Flyers are on a roll within the past week or so. They have done some household cleaning of their own before the free agency frenzy began, and now the Flyers officially have inked a solid Left Winger, and former player in James Van Riemsdyk to a five-year contract.
Van Riemsdyk returns home to Philadelphia, to a city that hasn’t forgotten him when he was drafted by the Flyers in 2007. The deal is worth $35 million or $7 million AAV, and will become official at noon today when the free agency period officially opens for business. First, the Flyers made qualifying offers to seven of their eight restricted free agents on Monday. Today, with the announcement of the signing of Van Riemsdyk. Flyers fans can now breathe and feel a sigh of relief. With this signing of Van Riemsdyk, it becomes apparent that General Manager Ron Hextall is ready to take the next step in the Flyers rebuild.
Van Riemsdyk is a 29 year-old sniper that had a solid 2017-18 season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He completed the season posting 36 goals, and 18 assists in 81 games played. Moreover, Van Riemsdyk isn’t afraid to throw down the gloves for his teammates either. Van Riemsdyk potted 11 goals on the Power Play last season, and this is another element that attracted Hextall to Van Riemsdyk. He skates well for being 6’3,” 217 pounds. Van Riemsdyk is a natural goal scorer that goes top shelf, “Where momma hides the cookies.”
General Manager Ron Hextall means business this coming season. Van Riemsdyk builds strength on the wing for the Flyers. Within the next few seasons this classy organization is going to transform into a Stanley Cup contender, and one that is tough to beat on a nightly basis. One thing is certain the future is bright in Flyer land.
Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
