Detroit Red Wings 1000-game NHL veteran unavailable for opening night game against Canadiens
Photo credit: NHL.com
1000-game NHL veteran James Van Riemsdyk of the Detroit Red Wings looks to be unavailable for the opener against the Montreal Canadiens on October 9th, according to an announcement from Todd McLellan today.
The Detroit Red Wings are opening their season tomorrow in Little Caesars Arena.
This will kick off their 100th season in the NHL, as the Centennial Season marks a year full of festivities and celebrations of the Original Six organization.
Now, as the Red Wings will kick off the year against their Atlantic Division foes, the Montreal Canadiens, they'll be shorthanded.
According to Head Coach Todd McLellan, the 1,000-game veteran and former 1st-round pick, James Van Riemsdyk, will be out of the lineup against the Canadiens.
Detroit Red Wings Coach Todd McLellan's decision on James Van Riemsdyk
According to McLellan, he feels that the veteran forward who missed the majority of training camp will need to get more reps in before he can take the ice in a regular-season matchup.
It's unfortunate for the former 1st-round pick, as he could offer meaningful depth across the lineup as a goal scorer and special teams option.
The 2nd overall pick in 2007 played a total of 71 games for the Columbus Blue Jackets last season, scored 36 points (16-20), and signed with the Detroit Red Wings this postseason.
At this point in the year, it's difficult to tell where he'll slot in, as Emmitt Finnie has claimed the top-six spot next to Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond.
Maybe he'll be a middle-six option when he's ready to play his first game as a Red Wing.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
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