Players hopeful of a comeback after injury riddled season -NHL Special Part 2
James van Riemsdyk (Toronto Maple Leafs)
The young left winger from Middletown, New Jersey, United States, remained busy all offseason as he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs after being traded by Philadelphia Flyers, certainly giving the former some much needed offensive depth.
Riemsdyk, a 23-year-old forward, got back into form during the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) Stanley Cup Playoffs after having to cut his regular season short due to a broken foot, which he suffered blocking a shot earlier in March.
In his third career year, Riemsdyk put up his lowest total yet by adding 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) in 43 games, much lower than his usual 35-40 point total for the past two seasons before it.
Next season will be one that Toronto will be counting on him to be the difference maker.
Mike Green (Washington Capitals)
It seemed like this might have been the last season with Washington Capitals for Mike Green either due to his reoccurring concussions or due to the Washington management not meeting his demands for a long term contract.
Luckily, both things came to work out well for the player who is feeling good and is also on a newly signed, three-year deal with the club.
The 26-year-old appeared in just 32 games last season and had seven points (3 goals, 4 assists), which obviously had Washington hesitant to re-sign him.
In the end, everything has worked out in favour of him up until now, and Washington is just now waiting to see whether they get the desired benefit from him as well or not.
Nathan Horton (Boston Bruins)
Nathan Horton had a great run with Boston Bruins as he played a major rule in their winning a Stanley Cup but ultimately began feeling concussion symptoms and failed to complete the season by playing just 46 games for 32 points (17 goals, 15 assists).
It was back in January that he faced a concussion and was not seen back on the ice ever since. Having Nathan Horton back is crucial for Boston Bruins as they need to get back on track in terms of defence and make next season count.
Tuukka Rask (Boston Bruins)
Tim Thomas was the only man in net for Boston Bruins entering the 2012 NHL Playoffs and fatigue became a major reason why they were ousted early. Without backup goaltender, Tuukka Rask out due to a groin injury, Thomas had to play every minute continuously.
Rask will feel the same pressure as Thomas is now out of the scene, as he decided to take this year off, making the backup Boston’s new number one.
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