With the Philadelphia Flyers having just three wins in their last 20-games, their season focus has shifted. Which will lead to some movement on the roster.
One player that is drawing early trade interest is James van Riemsdyk, who is an unrestricted free agent at seasons end.
Jeff Marek, co-host of 32-Thoughts with Elliotte Friedman, broke the news on Saturday’s 32-Thoughts segment.
“The Philadelphia Flyers have made him (van Riemsdyk) available,” Marek said. “The Flyers could eat some of that as well to make it more palatable for a team looking at James van Riemsdyk.”
Marek noted “the actual cash here is $5 million (and) $1 million has already been paid as a bonus going back to last summer.” Which could entice more teams as van Riemsdyk will be making less than his cap hit.
van Riemsdyk, who is in the final year of a 5 year $35M contract, will be a hot commodity for playoff teams. Especially those in search of secondary scoring and power-play help.
In 12-games this season, van Riemsdyk has 5 goals and 6 assists.
Since returning from a broken thumb on December 7th, van Riemsdyk has 3 goals and 3 assists in 6 games.
Over the past five seasons, van Riemsdyk has 33-power-play-goals. Which is T-26th in the NHL.
van Riemsdyk also brings 71 career games of playoff experience. Scoring 20 goals and adding 11 assists.
With the Flyers almost likely being sellers at the deadline, van Riemsdyk could net them a solid return. Especially if the Flyers are willing to retain 50% of van Riemsdyk’s cap hit as Jeff Marek mentioned.
Retaining 50% of van Riemsdyk’s cap hit and his low actual dollars salary this season, will make him a great add for any team.
Realistically, the Flyers should be able to get at least a 3rd round pick, possibly a 2nd round pick, back for James van Riemsdyk.
The NHL holiday roster freeze goes into effect on tomorrow night at midnight. The NHL trade deadline is March 3rd.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bill Streicher – USA TODAY Sports
