Philadelphia Flyers sign forward James van Riemsdyk to six-year, $25.5 million deal –NHL News Update
Philadelphia Flyers finally came to terms with their top-notch performing left winger and former second-overall draft pick of the 2007 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft, James van Riemsdyk by signing him on to a six-year, $25.5 million deal on Tuesday,
August 30, 2011.
Riemsdyk was coming out of his initial, three-year entry-level contract with the team which had a $1.654 million salary cap hit annually. After playing his first year with Flyers minor league affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL), Philadelphia Phantoms,
Riemsdyk was finally allowed to perform in the major league.
During the past two season, the 22-year-old performed well beyond expectations despite a few injuries here and there, which was the ultimate factor in the decision making process from the Philadelphia side. The 2009-2010 season was his first as he potted
35 points (15 goals, 20 assists) in 78 games played and a plus-minus rating of -1.
The following season, Riemsdyk improved his game overall and shot an impressive 40 points (21 goals, 19 assists) in 75 games and missed seven along with finishing this time with a plus-minus rating of 15.
"We had some injuries there in the end and combined with that extra opportunity, along with the confidence and experience I had, everything began clicking for me", van Riemsdyk said.
Last season was more of learning faze for the Middletown, New Jersey, United States native and now having played 153 major league games along with performing in the World Championships for team USA, Riemsdyk can be regarded as a much more seasoned player
than before.
"During the year, I was more in a secondary role, kind of not as much power-play time but I was able to get out there and the more you play as an offensive player, the more you get into the flow of the game and just play instead of thinking as much," van
Riemsdyk said. "That just helped take my game and raise my level a little bit”.
Having traded some of their top players including Jeff Carter and Mike Richards, James van Riemsdyk will certainly have an opportunity to step up and take charge of the team, something Philadelphia Flyers are expecting to happen.
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