Unknown Detroit Red Wings player at practice identified as 1000-game longtime NHL veteran
Photo credit: NHL.com
The Detroit Red Wings have identified the 1,000-game NHL veteran on the ice today as James Van Riemsdyk, who is preparing for the home opener on October 9th against the Montreal Canadiens in Little Caesars Arena.
The Detroit Red Wings are happy to welcome James Van Riemsdyk back into the fold as he joins his new team on the ice.
There was speculation whether or not he'd be prepared to take on the Montreal Canadiens at Little Caesars Arena on the 9th after being away for an extended period of time.
The reason?
James Van Riemsdyk welcomed twins into the world as he was supporting his wife at home in Minnesota. It was unknown whether or not he'd have been able to make it, as he spent the last two weeks in Minnesota.
He'd been given leave from the team beforehand and was there every step of the way for his children's birth.
James Van Riemsdyk is grateful to join the team on Wednesday at Practice
Todd McLellan and the team welcomed JVR to the ice, as the former 1st-round pick in the 2007 draft has become a father.
The longtime NHL veteran also has some thank you messages to Todd McLellan and Steve Yzerman for allowing him some time away:
He is poised to become a top-six forward for the Red Wings, as a Swiss Army Knife in the lineup. He can play up and down the lineup and on special teams, including the power play.
Last season, he was a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and played 71 games and scored 36 points (16-20).
TRENDING NOW
