Rise to Success: Career Highlights of James van Riemsdyk

How James van Riemsdyk built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

James van Riemsdyk (JVR) is an American professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL. He previously played for the Toronto Maple Leafs (2012-2018) and the Philadelphia Flyers (until 2023).

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2004: Joined the NTDP

Following the 2004–05 hockey season, James van Riemsdyk left CBA to join the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

2004: Team Captain

In 2004-05, James van Riemsdyk was the team captain for the Brick Midget AA season, leading the team to the Atlantic District Championship.

2005: Leafs' Playoff Appearance

In 2012, van Riemsdyk helped take the Leafs to their first playoff appearance since 2005.

2006: World U-17 Hockey Challenge

In 2006, van Riemsdyk represented the United States at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge and helped the team reach the gold-medal match, also appearing at the 2006 IIHF World U18 Championships.

2007: NCAA season at New Hampshire

During the 2007–08 NCAA season, James van Riemsdyk was third on the team with 34 points in 31 games as a freshman at New Hampshire.

2007: Ranked as Top Prospect

Heading into the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, James van Riemsdyk was ranked as the third-best North American skater by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau.

2007: Drafted into NHL

In 2007, James van Riemsdyk was drafted into the NHL. He befriended Patrick Kane and both were drafted first and second overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

2007: World U18 Championships

In 2007, van Riemsdyk tied for the tournament lead with 12 points at the World U18 Championships, helping Team USA win a silver medal. He was named the top forward and most valuable player of the tournament, and named to the All-Star team. He also made his first World Junior Ice Hockey Championships (WJC) appearance in 2007.

2008: 2008 WJC Tournament

In 2008, van Riemsdyk led all players in scoring in the WJC tournament, with 11 points in six games, though Team USA failed to medal.

April 1, 2009: Signed with the Flyers

On April 1, 2009, James van Riemsdyk signed an entry-level contract with the Flyers, forgoing his final two years of college eligibility.

October 2, 2009: NHL Debut and First Point

On October 2, 2009, James van Riemsdyk made his NHL debut and recorded his first NHL point with an assist in the Flyers' win against the Carolina Hurricanes.

2009: NHL Debut

In 2009, James van Riemsdyk made his NHL debut after playing college ice hockey for the University of New Hampshire.

2009: 2009 WJC Tournament

In 2009, van Riemsdyk put up another 10 points at the WJC tournament, but Team USA again failed to medal.

2010: 2010-11 Season

During the 2010-11 season, van Riemsdyk continued his offensive trajectory, scoring 21 goals in 75 games.

2010: Stanley Cup Finals

In 2010, van Riemsdyk and the Flyers advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they were defeated by the Chicago Blackhawks.

February 15, 2011: First Gordie Howe Hat Trick

On February 15, 2011, James van Riemsdyk achieved his first Gordie Howe hat trick, recording a goal, an assist, and a fight in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

March 26, 2011: First Hat Trick

On March 26, 2011, James van Riemsdyk scored his first regular hat-trick in a 4–1 victory over the New York Islanders.

2011: IIHF World Championship

In 2011, van Riemsdyk represented the United States at the IIHF World Championship, recording one goal in his two tournament games, though Team USA was defeated in the quarterfinal round.

2012: Traded to Maple Leafs

During the 2012 offseason, James van Riemsdyk was traded by the Flyers to the Maple Leafs in exchange for Luke Schenn.

2013: Began on Top Line

James van Riemsdyk began the 2013-14 season on a line with Bozak and Kessel, providing an early offensive boost to the Maple Leafs.

2014: Top Line Placement

By 2014, James van Riemsdyk played on the top line alongside Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel.

2014: Winter Olympics

In 2014, James van Riemsdyk represented the United States at the Winter Olympics.

January 11, 2016: Fractured Foot

On January 11, 2016, the Maple Leafs announced that van Riemsdyk suffered a "non-displaced fracture" in his left foot and would be sidelined for up to two months.

2016: Ranked No. 100 in Toronto Maple Leafs History

In 2016, as part of the Toronto Maple Leafs' centennial anniversary celebrations, James van Riemsdyk was ranked No. 100 on the list of the 100 greatest players in the franchise's history.

2016: Named to Team USA for the World Cup of Hockey

In 2016, van Riemsdyk was named to Team USA for the World Cup of Hockey, scoring one assist in three games, though the team was eliminated after losing its first three games.

December 19, 2017: 20,000th Goal in Maple Leafs History

On December 19, 2017, van Riemsdyk scored the 20,000th goal in Maple Leafs history during an 8–1 defeat of the Hurricanes. The milestone occurred on the 100th anniversary of the franchise's first goal.

2017: Free Agency

After the 2017-18 season, James van Riemsdyk became a free agent.

2017: Stanley Cup Playoffs

In 2017, after losing their final regular-season game, the Leafs faced the Washington Capitals in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, but Washington eliminated Toronto with an overtime win in game six.

March 14, 2018: Third Career Hat-Trick

On March 14, 2018, Van Riemsdyk scored his third career hat-trick in a 6–5 victory over the Dallas Stars.

July 1, 2018: Signs with Philadelphia Flyers

On July 1, 2018, James van Riemsdyk signed a $35 million, five-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers as an unrestricted free agent.

October 6, 2018: Injured in Game Against Avalanche

On October 6, 2018, during his second game back with the Flyers, van Riemsdyk took a puck to the leg against the Colorado Avalanche and was expected to be out for five to six weeks.

February 8, 2019: Fined by NHL

On February 8, 2019, the NHL Department of Player Safety fined van Riemsdyk $5,000 for a high-sticking penalty against Alec Martinez of the Los Angeles Kings.

March 16, 2019: Scored 27 points in 28 games

On March 16, 2019, van Riemsdyk scored 27 points in 28 games, including 18 goals

2019: IIHF World Championship

In 2019, van Riemsdyk returned to the international stage at the IIHF World Championship, putting up two goals and three assists in eight games for Team USA. The United States team was defeated by Russia in a 4–3 quarterfinal matchup.

March 4, 2020: Fractured Index Finger

On March 4, 2020, van Riemsdyk fractured the index finger on his right hand while blocking a shot from Jonas Siegenthaler and was expected to miss the remainder of the regular season.

January 2021: NHL East Division Star of the Month

In January 2021, van Riemsdyk was named the NHL East Division Star of the Month after leading the league with four power-play goals.

February 21, 2021: 500th Career Point

On February 21, 2021, van Riemsdyk recorded his 500th career point in the Flyers' 7–3 loss to the Bruins at the NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe game.

2021: 2021 Eastern Conference

At the 2021 Eastern Conference quarterfinals, van Riemsdyk once again provided a critical Game 7 playoff performance for the Flyers, playing a role in three goals of the series-winning 5–2 win over the Buffalo Sabres.