Detroit Red Wings Off-Season Moves
During the busy off-season leading up to the 2025-26 NHL season, the Detroit Red Wings actively sought to bolster their roster and made several key signings, including veteran forward James van Riemsdyk. Drafted second overall in 2007 by the Philadelphia Flyers—just behind his current teammate Patrick Kane—van Riemsdyk brings a wealth of experience with over 1,000 NHL games played. The Red Wings are optimistic that his seasoned presence will aid them in their efforts to break a lengthy postseason drought.
Personal Challenges and Family Joy
However, van Riemsdyk faced personal challenges prior to the season, which prevented him from joining the Red Wings at the start of Training Camp and the initial pre-season games. These challenges turned out to be a joyful life event; his wife gave birth to twins, although one of the newborns required some additional care in the hospital, prompting his temporary absence from the team.
Gratitude and Support
After finally being able to participate in practice with the Red Wings after a few weeks off, van Riemsdyk expressed profound gratitude to the team’s management, particularly praising General Manager Steve Yzerman and Head Coach Todd McLellan for their compassion during this significant time.
“Being new, I didn’t know them well, but they really supported me through everything related to my family and the birth of our twins,”
he noted, emphasizing the emotional weight of balancing family responsibilities with his professional commitments.
In sharing his experience, van Riemsdyk highlighted the strength of his wife throughout the situation, noting that it was an emotionally charged time that offered a fresh perspective on life.
“It’s definitely a challenge but I’m thankful to have a strong partner, and I felt the backing of my family and the organization during this period,”
he reflected.
Looking Ahead to the Season
As the Red Wings prepare for the remainder of their pre-season with only two games left, there is potential for van Riemsdyk to integrate into a scoring line alongside prominent players like Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond. His role may also include operating on the power play, where he could emulate the legacy of former Red Wings legend Tomas Holmstrom by creating havoc in front of the net for opposing goalies.
The 2025-26 season promises to be a momentous one for the Red Wings, who are celebrating their centennial anniversary, as they look to return to playoff contention and utilize the talents of their new acquisitions, including van Riemsdyk.
