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Ex-Leaf strongly advocating for James van Riemsdyk return in Toronto

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Ryan Smitheram
September 6, 2024  (5:10 PM)
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Will James van Riemsdyk reunite with the Leafs?
Photo credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Former Leaf Jay Rosehill has stated his case for bringing James van Riemsdyk back to the Maple Leafs.

In late August, Elliotte Friedman reported that the Leafs were looking to shore up the depth on the left wing due to uncertainty surrounding Nicholas Robertson and the departure of Tyler Bertuzzi.

Van Riemsdyk has a history with the organization and has been identified as a possible fit for the Leafs up front. Current co-host of 'Leafs Morning Take' and a former teammate of JVR's, Jay Rosehill has been an advocate for a reunion on the latest episode.

"He's a high end player, a high IQ player, a high skill player, not to be William Nylander anymore but to fill a different role. He's good enough, experienced enough, high-end enough that he can stay in the league and reinvent his role a little bit. You can put him in the bottom six. He's got pedigree to bury a few, to finish that play. He's still JVR. On top of that he's a very well-liked guy in the locker room. Everyone that plays with him likes him.

I think he could be an addition at a million bucks to fill some of those holes. He could come in and make that a little bit more of a well-rounded (forward group) and make the lineup look like its got some better depth to it."

At 35-yeard-old, he isn't the fastest skater anymore, but he can still park himself in front of the net and win puck battles in the corners, as he was known for during his time in Toronto. JVR previously played for the Leafs from 2012 to 2018 where he was often parked in front of the net on a line with Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel. Over six seasons in the blue and white, van Riemsdyk skated in 413 games and registered 154 goals and 294 points.

Source: Hockey Reference James van Riemsdyk Stats

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Ex-Leaf strongly advocating for James van Riemsdyk return in Toronto

Should the Leafs sign JVR to a PTO or a standard player contract for next season?

Yes, PTO17253.8 %
Yes, SPC3510.9 %
No, neither11335.3 %
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