A backup plan worth exploring for the Maple Leafs as Nick Robertson remains unsigned
Former Maple Leaf veteran James van Riemsdyk is a very realistic replacement option if RFA forward Nick Robertson refuses to sign an extension with the club.
As the Nick Robertson situation drags on into late August in Toronto, with the former second-round pick still without a contract, the Maple Leafs should begin exploring alternatives in case the young winger decides to stay true to his previous statement that he doesn't plan to sign with the team.
There are several viable options available, with many veterans still unsigned. However, one standout possibility to replace Robertson is former Maple Leaf, JVR.
Although van Riemsdyk is no longer the 36-goal scorer he was during his final season with the Leafs in 2017-18, the veteran winger still has plenty of hockey left in him and is a perfectly capable bottom-6 option. Last season, JVR played for the Boston Bruins, where he remained a productive contributor with 11 goals and 27 assists for 38 points in 71 games. Ironically, the 35-year-old scored a relatively weak goal against the Maple Leafs in the first round of the playoffs last year, which turned out to be his only goal in 11 postseason games.
Van Riemsdyk would bring a veteran presence to the Maple Leafs, as well as a knack for scoring and proficiency in tight areas around the net. He is also a solid option for the net front on the second power play unit.
While we hope Robertson signs a deal, despite his public desire to leave Toronto, a JVR reunion would provide a valuable depth scoring winger for the team, and let's face it, the vibes surrounding such a move would be very good.
Source: HockeyDBJames Van Riemsdyk Statistics, Nick Robertson Statistics
| POLL | ||
25 AOUT | 893 ANSWERS A backup plan worth exploring for the Maple Leafs as Nick Robertson remains unsigned Should the Maple Leafs bring back James van Riemsdyk on a league minimum deal? | ||
| Yes | 457 | 51.2 % |
| No | 436 | 48.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
