The Boston Bruins should consider bringing back this former player on a PTO.
Now that NHL training camps are rapidly approaching, teams are starting to sign players to professional tryout (PTO) contracts. Last week alone, Jakub Vrana (Washington Capitals) and Logan Brown (Tampa Bay Lightning) earned PTOs, and more players will undoubtedly follow.
When looking at the Boston Bruins' roster, it seems quite possible that they will bring in at least one forward on a PTO for training camp. There is a clear hole in their top nine on the wing after the departures of players like Jake DeBrusk and Danton Heinen this offseason. Youngsters like Fabian Lysell, Georgii Merkulov, and Riley Duran are some players expected to compete for NHL jobs.
However, it would not hurt for the Bruins to have an experienced NHLer at camp in the event that their prospects do not look ready. One clear PTO target they should consider bringing back is James van Riemsdyk.
James van Riemsdyk
© Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
van Riemsdyk, 35, proved to be a solid bargain addition to the Bruins' roster in 2023-24. In 71 regular-season games for the Bruins, the Middletown, New Jersey native recorded 11 goals, 38 points, and a plus-7 rating. However, he notably went cold down the stretch after suffering an illness, posting just one point in his final 20 regular-season games.
While JVR had a rough cold streak to end the regular season, he quietly bounced back during the playoffs, posting five points in 11 games for the Bruins. Perhaps this indicates that he could return to his previous production if given another opportunity in 2024-25.
Ultimately, with the Bruins needing a bit more depth on the wing, it would not hurt to take another look at van Riemsdyk on a PTO. If he had a strong camp and earned a cheap one-year deal, he could once again provide solid secondary offensive production and be a power-play option.
