1,000-Game NHL Veteran Return To The Detroit Red Wings Next Season?
The Detroit Red Wings faltered when the fans wanted them to succeed the most. As a result, general manager Steve Yzerman must find a way to construct a roster that will take them deep into the postseason.
That leaves us wondering who will return for the 2026-26 NHL season.
There are multiple unrestricted free agents, and one bottom-six forward has been a clutch player when the team has needed it the most: James Van Riemsdyk.
He was signed as a UFA last July, for a $1 million dollar average annual value deal, and has exceeded expectations wearing the winged wheel.
In 70 games this season, he's scored 30 points (15-15) and has been utilized up and down the lineup as an injury replacement and on the Red Wings' special teams. He's scored 11 points of those 30, on the power-play, with seven goals and four assists.
As a veteran forward who could provide secondary scoring at a bargain price, he should generate interest in the postseason.
The only question is, will he decide to return to the Red Wings organization to sign up for another year of the "Yzerplan"?
Will James Van Riemsdyk Return To Hockeytown?
Van Riemsdyk's 15 goals in 70 games ranks fifth on the team, and his 30 points ranks seventh. That's a pretty good return on a one-year, $1 million investment in a 36-year-old who averages less than 12 minutes per game. Van Riemsdyk uses his size (6 feet 3, 210 pounds) well, having built a career on going to the net.
If he's willing to accept a similar deal to the one he signed last summer, GM Steve Yzerman should focus on bringing him back.
Otherwise, we could see him being scooped up by teams who are angling for a Stanley Cup playoff run. It was his primary motivation to sign in Detroit in the first place, and as a Minnesota native, could GM Bill Guerin make a play for his talents? Right now, all we can offer is speculation, but he could be a hot commodity late in free agency if he isn't signed by Steve Yzerman beforehand.
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