Golden Knights One of 4 Teams Interested in James van Riemsdyk

The 2023 NHL Trade Deadline is only a week away, and the Vegas Golden Knights are likely in the market for a forward. Given the unfortunate injury status of captain Mark Stone and the overall lack of forward depth, making an addition at forward is seemingly inevitable for general manager Kelly McCrimmon.

Many names are out there on the trade market, such as Philadelphia Flyers veteran forward James van Riemsdyk.

In a recent report from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, he stated that the Golden Knights are one of four teams interested in JVR. The Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, and Winnipeg Jets are the other three teams reportedly interested.

van Riemsdyk is a 33-year-old winger and pending unrestricted free agent with the struggling Flyers. He has nine goals and 13 assists for 22 points in 37 games this season. 

JVR has been around the block in the NHL and has played over 900 games in the league. He and Phil Kessel had a few good years together with the Toronto Maple Leafs. His ability to be a net-front presence on the powerplay could be a major point of interest to the VGK.

The Flyers have already made it clear that JVR is available as he is coming to the end of a five-year $7 million AAV contract. The 54-point Philadelphia Flyers will be positioned to sell at the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline. JVR sees the writing on the wall as he will likely be traded.

“At this point, you’re more of a realist when it comes to situations (like this). Anytime you’re in the last year of your contract, things like this can be talked about. Ultimately, the thing that drives me is wanting to win. Ideally, you want to find a situation like that," JVR told Philly Hockey Now.

JVR is not having as flashy of a season as guys like Bo Horvat or Timo Meier, but he will still likely fetch a decent return for the re-tooling Flyers.

We have seen three big trades for forwards recently in the NHL, with the New York Islanders acquiring Bo Horvat, the New York Rangers Vladamir Tarasenko, and the Maple Leafs Ryan O'Reilly. These deals have set the price tag for a top forward at the deadline.

The Golden Knights play the Blackhawks next on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. on the road.

For all of Vegas Hockey Now's trade deadline content, check out our trade roundup page