James Van Riemsdyk: A Mysterious Message Sets Toronto Ablaze

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
James Van Riemsdyk: A Mysterious Message Sets Toronto Ablaze
Credit: Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images

The Maple Leafs were the talk of the town last night.

Why? Because the team's X account posted an old goal by James Van Riemsdyk from when he was playing for the Maple Leafs.

The club wrote, “Don't blink.”

Why? Logically, you shouldn't blink because in the clip in question, JVR scored quickly after a faceoff at center ice.

But one might reasonably wonder if there's something bigger behind this. After all, why would they post something like that, just out of the blue?

Shouldn't we be paying close attention because the Maple Leafs are about to sign the former player (who is a free agent) and the team's Twitter account is giving us a hint?

That's what many fans are wondering this morning.

Despite being 37 years old, Van Riemsdyk is still capable of holding his own in the NHL. He performed well on his last three contracts (at $1 million or less) in Boston, Columbus, and Detroit.

While he's not setting the world on fire, a player who can rack up around 30 points per season at that price—in an NHL where salaries are on the rise—is a solid pick-up.

(Credit: Hockey DB)

If he were to actually sign with Toronto, it would be yet another addition for a team that's had an eventful offseason. For a third line, that would add depth.

That wouldn't make it possible to trade Matthew Knies while assuming his production would be replaced, though. Anyway, the Knies situation seems to be on the back burner right now.


Quick Thoughts

– Good question. It certainly put some pressure on him, yes.

– What will the Jets do with their goalie?

– Great signing.

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