Philadelphia Flyers Trade Target: James Van Riemsdyk

Are the Philadelphia Flyers interested in bringing back James Van Riemsdyk?

Toronto Maple Leafs sent scouts to both Philadelphia Flyers and Lehigh Valley Phantoms games this Saturday.

James Van Riemsdyk was selected #2 overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers. After just three seasons in the city of brotherly love, he was dealt to Toronto for defenseman Luke Schenn; Schenn didn’t live up to expectations in Philadelphia and was also dealt after four seasons.

Why the Philadelphia Flyers want to Re-aquire James Van Riemsdyk.

The Philadelphia Flyers are in need of top six forwards. Philadelphia ranks 19th in goals for this season and has struggled to score 5V5.  At 6’3, 210 lbs., JVR can add much needed size and scoring to the Flyers’ left side. In 54 games this season, he scored 19 goals, 24 assists for 43 points.  At a cost per point of $65,385, JVR is a team friendly deal.

Related Story: Philadelphia Flyers’ Forwards Cost Per Point

The 27 year old, was a member of the Flyers 2010 Stanley Cup finals appearance squad. Playing a totally of 196 games, scoring 47 goals ,52 assists 99 points in his three season with the orange and black.

"Boasts an outstanding combination of size, speed and skill. A surprisingly good passer, he owns plenty of scoring prowess thanks to an accurate shot and willingness to drive to the net to score goals. Has a great reach. (www.sportsforecaster.com)."

Toronto is in need of young defenseman and the Flyers have plenty in their system.

"The first thing that comes to mind when considering the Philadelphia Flyers’ pipeline is defense. This is a team that is building from the back end out and they have some serious horses on the way. (Cam Robinson) (dobberprospects.com)"

With two former first round picks, Sam Morin (2013) and Travis Sanheim (2014) and Robert Hagg, a 2nd rounder (2013),  we all know who Toronto had their eyes on in Lehigh Saturday night.

All three were rated in the Flyers top 10 prospects in the Hockey News Yearbook. Travis Sanhiem was also rated the 70th best prospect in the Hockey News top under 21 prospect issue.  Sam Morin and Travis Sanheim are considered blue chip prospects; Hagg is rated a  B-List prospect as per the Hockey News.

"His current salary cap hit is $4.25 million and it’s safe to assume he’ll receive a pay bump when his deal expires following the 2017-18 campaign. If the Maple Leafs don’t think they’ll be able to (or they’re unwilling to) pay him a hefty salary he’s the type of player who’s too talented for the Maple Leafs to lose and get nothing in return.  (Mike Johnston) (sportsnet.ca)"

Philadelphia Flyers

Carrying a 4.25 million dollar salary, Philadelphia would need to deal an NHL contract alongside a prospect in order to make the trade work with just about $1.7 million in cap space available.

Toronto has put a high price tag on the Middletown, NJ native. 

There is no doubt Van Riemsdyk is a great fit in Philly and adds much needed size and scoring help to the Flyers top 6.  Philadelphia is sitting tied with Toronto for the final wild card spot at 61 points. (Toronto has 2 games in hand.) Acquiring JVR goes a long way into making the playoffs this season.

General Manager Ron Hextall hasn’t been willing to trade away prospects; he has stuck to the plan of drafting and developing to date but will he look to pull off a deal for JVR before March 1st?