In his first season with the Bruins, James van Riemsdyk has outperformed expectations. Especially since he signed for $1 million with the organization in the offseason. He soon developed chemistry with Charlie Coyle and Trent Frederic, but Boston coach Jim Montgomery moved the lines, forcing van Riemsdyk to play with other teammates.
Despite this, he continued.
van Riemsdyk demonstrated that it didn’t matter who he was matched with. The opponents would find out when he was on the rink.
The most recent example was his three-point game (one goal, two assists) in the Bruins’ 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Tuesday. Van Riemsdyk was a healthy scratch the night before, but he returned to the lineup and put in a performance that will make Montgomery’s job difficult.
On Tuesday, van Riemsdyk teamed up with Frederic and Danton Heinen, and his two assists came on goals from his teammates that he helped set up wonderfully.
Montgomery has been impressed by his versatility this season.
“How smart he is in support plays,” Montgomery told reporters on Wednesday at Warrior Ice Arena. “You see where he is when you coach against him.” he is and where he has his success. But how he helps a line connect especially offensively.
“And then I think the other thing is his willingness to sacrifice,” he said. “… But first power play, ice time.” We’ve moved him around a lot, and he just fits with the Bruins ethos of whatever’s best for the spoked-B is what he’s gonna do and whatever we ask of him.”
In 34 appearances, the experienced attacker has seven goals and 18 assists. Van Riemsdyk is on pace to surpass his 2022-23 point total (39). Even if he isn’t scoring as much as he would like, he is content to be contributing to the wins.
“I think over the years, even though people would probably consider me more of a goal scorer, I think my assists-to-goals ratio is pretty even,” van Riemsdyk said after the triumph on Tuesday. “Obviously, this year is a little more exaggerated, but that’s how it goes.” I’m just pleased to help in any way I can. And, most importantly, the squad has been winning.”
