James van Riemsdyk

James van Riemsdyk Bio

James van Riemsdyk is an American professional ice hockey player who serves as a left winger for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League. Born on May 4, 1989, in Middletown Township, New Jersey, he emerged as one of the most promising offensive talents from his amateur career and was selected second overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. After making his NHL debut in 2009, van Riemsdyk developed into a consistent scoring threat across multiple organizations, amassing over 300 career goals while playing for the Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Detroit Red Wings. His career includes a memorable run to the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals with the Flyers, participation in the 2014 Winter Olympics for Team USA, and numerous milestone achievements including his 200th career goal and 500th career point. Off the ice, van Riemsdyk is married to Lauren Tjernlund and is the father of one daughter.

Early Life and Background

James van Riemsdyk was born on May 4, 1989, in Middletown Township, New Jersey, to parents Frans and Allison van Riemsdyk. His family were devoted supporters of the New York Rangers of the NHL, which influenced his early passion for hockey. Van Riemsdyk began playing ice hockey around the age of five, practicing at a rink in Old Bridge, New Jersey. He spent three years with the American Eagles of the Monmouth County Youth Hockey Association, followed by six years with the Brick Hockey Club in Brick Township, New Jersey. During his time with the Brick Stars, James and his brother Trevor led the club to a national championship.

His hockey career continued at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, New Jersey, where he made the varsity team as a freshman in high school. He served as team captain for the 2004-05 Midget AA season and guided the team to the Atlantic District Championship while also winning the New Jersey Parochial championship with CBA. In 2013, the Ocean Ice Palace in New Jersey, where van Riemsdyk had skated throughout his childhood, retired his number 21 jersey in recognition of his achievements.

Path to NHL

Following the 2004-05 hockey season, van Riemsdyk left Christian Brothers Academy to join the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In his two seasons with the NTDP, van Riemsdyk scored 65 goals and 124 points, ranking among the highest scorers in program history at that time. While playing for Team USA, he became friends with Patrick Kane, and the two would go on to be drafted first and second overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Heading into the draft, van Riemsdyk was ranked as the third-best North American skater by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau, behind Kane and Kyle Turris.

Rather than immediately entering the professional ranks, van Riemsdyk honored his commitment to play college hockey at the University of New Hampshire. As a freshman during the 2007-08 NCAA season, he recorded 34 points including 11 goals and 23 assists in 31 games, earning two Hockey East Rookie of the Month selections and a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. The following year, he led New Hampshire in scoring with 17 goals and 23 assists before deciding to pursue professional hockey. He was roommates with Phil DeSimone during his time at New Hampshire.

James van Riemsdyk Career

Philadelphia Flyers (2009-2012)

On April 1, 2009, van Riemsdyk agreed to forfeit his final two years of collegiate play to sign an entry-level contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. While his contract did not take effect until the 2009-10 season, he was allowed to play with the Philadelphia Phantoms under a tryout contract, scoring one goal and one assist in seven AHL games. He made his NHL debut on October 2, 2009, recording his first NHL point with a power play assist in a 2-0 win against the Carolina Hurricanes. His first NHL goal came on October 24 in a 5-1 victory over the Florida Panthers.

Van Riemsdyk was named NHL Rookie of the Month for November 2009 after scoring four goals and five assists in 12 games. In his first playoff appearance during the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he played a crucial role in the Flyers’ historic comeback from a 3-0 series deficit against the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Van Riemsdyk scored his first career playoff goal in Game 7, helping the Flyers become the third team in NHL history to accomplish such a comeback. The Flyers advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to the Chicago Blackhawks.

Toronto Maple Leafs (2012-2018)

On June 23, 2012, the Flyers traded van Riemsdyk to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Luke Schenn. After a lockout-shortened 2012-13 season, he quickly established himself as a top-line scorer, replacing an injured Joffrey Lupul alongside Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak. He finished the season with 18 goals and 14 assists in 48 games, helping the Leafs reach their first playoff appearance since 2005.

The 2013-14 season proved to be van Riemsdyk’s best up to that point. He tied the NHL record for the fastest goal from the start of a period on March 29, 2014, scoring just four seconds into the second period against the Flyers. He also recorded his first 30-goal season with 30 goals and 30 assists in 80 games. Despite the Maple Leafs missing the playoffs that year, van Riemsdyk established himself as one of the league’s premier power forwards.

Throughout his remaining years with Toronto, van Riemsdyk continued to be a consistent scoring threat. He scored the 20,000th goal in Maple Leafs history on December 19, 2017, and reached his 200th career NHL goal later that season. He finished the 2017-18 season with a career-high 36 goals and 54 points before becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Philadelphia Flyers Return (2018-2023)

On July 1, 2018, van Riemsdyk signed a five-year, $35 million contract to return to the Philadelphia Flyers. Despite missing 16 games early in the 2018-19 season due to a leg injury, he scored 27 goals and 48 points in 66 games, including two hat tricks. The following season saw him score 19 goals and 40 points while battling through inconsistencies and a fractured finger sustained in March 2020.

During the shortened 2020-21 season, van Riemsdyk was named NHL East Division Star of the Month for January 2021 after leading the league with four power-play goals. He recorded his 500th career point that season and finished tied for the team lead with 43 points. His ability to contribute offensively while playing a power-forward style remained a valuable asset to the Flyers’ lineup.

Boston Bruins (2023-2024)

Following his second stint with the Flyers, van Riemsdyk signed with the Boston Bruins on July 1, 2023, on a one-year contract. He reached a significant career milestone on March 5, 2024, when he played his 1,000th NHL game against the Edmonton Oilers. The Bruins honored him for this achievement in a pregame ceremony three games later when they faced his former team, the Flyers.

Columbus Blue Jackets (2024-2025)

Van Riemsdyk signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets on September 15, 2024, for the 2024-25 season. This brief stint with Columbus provided him continued opportunities to contribute as an experienced veteran forward in the league.

Detroit Red Wings (2025-Present)

On July 1, 2025, van Riemsdyk signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings for the 2025-26 season. This move brought him to a franchise with a storied hockey tradition as he continues his NHL career into its 17th season.

Driving Style and Strengths

Van Riemsdyk has established himself as a prototypical modern power forward, combining size, speed, and offensive skill. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and 217 pounds, he utilizes his frame effectively to win battles along the boards and in front of the net. His shot accuracy and release have made him a reliable scoring threat, particularly on the power play where he has consistently ranked among team leaders in goals. Throughout his career, van Riemsdyk has demonstrated the ability to play alongside various linemates and adapt his game to different team systems, whether as a top-line scorer or a secondary contributor.

Notable Events and Milestones

Van Riemsdyk’s career has been marked by several memorable performances and milestones. His dramatic Game 7 goal in the 2010 Eastern Conference Finals comeback remains one of his most celebrated playoff moments. He has scored multiple hat tricks throughout his career and reached significant career totals, including his 200th NHL goal and 500th career point. His participation in the 2014 Winter Olympics for Team USA and his role in scoring the 20,000th goal in Maple Leafs franchise history highlight his prominence as a professional athlete.

James van Riemsdyk Career Wins

Across his NHL career spanning from 2009 to present, van Riemsdyk has been a consistent offensive contributor, accumulating over 300 career goals and 600 career points while playing for five different NHL franchises. His career highlights include multiple 30-goal seasons, playoff appearances with several teams, and international competition at the highest levels.

NHL Highlights

Van Riemsdyk’s most productive seasons came during his tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he recorded three consecutive 30-goal seasons from 2013-14 through 2017-18. His career-high of 36 goals came during the 2017-18 season with Toronto. He has scored four career hat tricks with the Flyers during his second stint with the team and reached the 1,000-game milestone in March 2024. His playoff career includes memorable performances in Game 7 situations, most notably during the Flyers’ 2010 run to the Stanley Cup Finals.

International Achievements

Van Riemsdyk has represented the United States at numerous international tournaments throughout his career. His notable international accomplishments include winning gold medals at the 2006 IIHF World U18 Championships and leading Team USA to a silver medal at the 2007 World U18 Championships, where he was named tournament MVP and top forward. He led all players in scoring at the 2008 World Junior Championship with 11 points and contributed to bronze medal efforts at the 2007 World Junior Championship. At the senior level, he represented the United States at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

James van Riemsdyk Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Van Riemsdyk comes from a family deeply connected to hockey. His father Frans and mother Allison raised him in Middletown Township, New Jersey, where family support for the sport was evident from his earliest years on the ice. He has two younger brothers who also pursued professional hockey careers. His brother Trevor van Riemsdyk is a defenseman who has played for the Washington Capitals, while his brother Brendan played college hockey at the University of New Hampshire and Northeastern University before signing with the Reading Royals of the ECHL.

Personal Life

Van Riemsdyk married his longtime girlfriend Lauren Tjernlund on July 19, 2019. Their daughter Scarlett Everly van Riemsdyk was born on May 2, 2020. During the hockey season, the family resides in the Society Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia. They maintain a summer home in Minnesota, where van Riemsdyk participates in the Da Beauty League during the offseason, a summer hockey league featuring professional players. Van Riemsdyk has been involved in various charitable efforts, including the You Can Play program, which supports LGBTQ individuals and promotes inclusivity in sports. He has also contributed to Hurricane Sandy relief efforts and the PHL COVID-19 fund. In a lighter moment from his career, van Riemsdyk made a cameo appearance in the 2012 Judd Apatow comedy film This Is 40 alongside fellow Flyers players.

2025-26 Season Performance

Van Riemsdyk enters the 2025-26 season with the Detroit Red Wings on a one-year contract, bringing veteran experience to a franchise seeking to return to playoff contention. Now in his 17th NHL season, he provides the Red Wings with a reliable scoring option who can contribute to the power play and offer leadership in the locker room. His addition brings size and skill to the Red Wings’ forward group as they look to build on recent seasons of development under their current coaching staff.