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 | As the NHL Trade Deadline approaches on March 2nd, we asked the HometownHockey.ca Toronto columnists to give their opinion on the trade value of various Toronto Maple Leafs. Today, in part one of our five part series Tim Cornett, Will Cornett, Rob McPhee and Chris Savard will discuss James van Riemsdyk. | | Windsor - February 27, 2015 - As the NHL Trade Deadline approaches on March 2nd, we asked the HometownHockey.ca Toronto columnists to give their opinion on the trade value of various Toronto Maple Leafs. Today, in part one of our five part series Tim Cornett, Will Cornett, Rob McPhee and Chris Savard will discuss James van Riemsdyk.
For each player, our columnists were asked - Would you trade him? If so, for what price? If not, why not? Then provide your prediction on what will actually happen.
T. Cornett - I hope he stays. He has been a valuable contributor during his time in blue and white, and when he’s hot, he’s hot. But like a lot of his teammates, he’s streaky. When things go south you wonder if he’ll ever score another goal. Through 61 games he has put up 46 points. Pretty good for a team that is having a dreadful season. He’s young, and with a 200 pound 6’3” frame, I’d like to see him use his size advantage a little more against opposing players. His cap hit is $4.25 million, making him affordable. I think when the dust settles he will remain a Leaf.
W. Cornett - For three years, James Van Riemsdyk has provided an edge for the Leafs’ offense. He has prospered in the Leafs’ system mainly because of his increase in minutes and his presence in key situations, which abundantly overshadow his time in Philadelphia. The only way I see JVR being moved is if the Leafs get a defenseman with the same star caliber as the rugged winger. The dynamic line of Bozak, Kessel, and JVR has faltered in certain aspects this year, but given the opportunity to play with a new centreman, JVR will be able to move forward and grow into a more consistent player. What hurt JVR this year was his plus/minus, as he always seemed to find himself on the ice when the opposition scored. With the rebuild underway, it would be wise for the Leafs to retain players like Kessel and JVR in order to have a nucleus of smart, skillful players to build around.
Bold Prediction: James Van Riemsdyk traded to Minnesota in exchange for Matt Dumba and a 2nd round pick in 2015.
McPhee - van Riemsdyk is not a player I expect to be moved this trade deadline. His contract is favourable to the team, and he’s only 25 years old. He fits in nicely to the re-build timeline and keeping a potential 40 goal scorer could help accelerate that process. However that being said, anything is possible at the deadline. If JvR is moved I expect it to be to the Washington Capitals. They’re currently the 7th seed in the East and going to have to hold off a push from Boston, Florida and Philadelphia, it would serve the Capitals to add some offensive depth.
To Washington : LW James van Riemsdyk
To Toronto: 2015 conditional 1st/2nd round Draft Pick, prospect D Madison Bowey, Joel Ward
Bowey looked great at the World Jr’s this past December and is a big bodied physical defenseman who turns 20 in April. He’s a great skater and can play the hard hitting style that Rielly and Gardiner lack. Make the draft pick conditional on Washington making it past the opening round of this years playoffs and it’s a solid hockey trade. To get it done the Leafs would have to eat a contract. Joel Ward is 33 and a UFA in July.
Savard - JVR is one of the players that I think the Maple Leafs would be smart to build around. He is only 25 and has shown good chemistry with Phil Kessel. He is already a three-time twenty goal scorer and has the potential to put up 40. My prediction is that the big bodied, former second overall pick will still be a member of the Blue and White come Tuesday when they travel to Florida to take on the Panthers.
What do you think HometownHockey.ca readers – does James van Riemsdyk stay or does he go? You can post your comments below.
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