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Toronto Maple Leafs: Should They Trade James Van Riemsdyk?

By Tim Chiasson |
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Nov 20, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Tyler Bozak (42) and left wing James van Riemsdyk (21) and right wing Phil Kessel (81) look on from the bench in the second period moments after van Riemsdyk s goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Last week we explored trading Jake Gardiner. This week we move on to Toronto Maple Leafs forward James Van Riemsdyk.

There are – almost – no untouchables on the Toronto Maple Leafs. James Van Riemsdyk’s name hasn’t been mentioned nearly as much as some of the other Leafs players, but he’s still available for the right price.

Question: Should the Toronto Maple Leafs trade James Van Riemsdyk?

Scroll through the slideshow for everyone’s answer.

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David Chernish

No.

The Leafs should not trade James van Riemsdyk – due to his low cap hit at 4.25 million for three more years. He is a strong power forward who is more than capable of putting up 60 points a year, and maybe even more if he had a top line center.

He always plays his heart out and brings his game night in and night out. Sure, he had a bad season this year but so did the rest of the Toronto Maple Leafs – JVR is a player every team wants and needs and will be a key piece to the rebuild.

Next: Alex Watson's Answer

Apr 3, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward James van Riemsdyk (21) carries the puck against the Boston Bruins during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Watson

Personally I think that Van Riemsdyk is one of the few players the Toronto Maple Leafs should not trade. Last season he was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal 2014-15 season. His 56 points while playing on the top line was the most productive of any Toronto player.

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While Kessel, Phaneuf, Kadri and possibly Lupul are due to go on the block due to their expensive deals, Van Riemsdyk has a contract that is still affordable and wouldn’t affect cap space. Also at 26 years old, this is one guy who is coming into his element. I feel that under Babcock, this is one top-line player that could well make a difference when the game is on the line.

The Leafs have heavy organization movements to do before a puck even drops next season, but I think trading Van Riemsdyk is a mistake they will regret. The continually under-performing veterans need to be on their way, no question there. But I think that by both Shanahan and Babcock still installing the new blood to take their place, it could lead to a more exciting team with the potential.

On the other hand, Van Riemsdyk could also be a handy makeweight in any off-season trades. I can’t name many franchises who would willing turn down this type of winger. Also, whereas future draft picks have been blown on trades, this one could well open the door.

Overall, I have a feeling that JVR will be one player we will seeing gracing the ACC next season.

Next: Robb Ellis' Answer

Robb Ellis

Absolutely – if the right deal comes along.

JVR is a guy that seems to have escaped the vigorous rumor mill that comes with the territory for an organization in the early stages of a “scorched earth” rebuild. It’s important to remember that nobody is untouchable, including Morgan Reily, during this time of change.

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On the positive side, Van Riemsdyk is still young at 26 and has a definite offensive upside. He lead the team in goals in 2014/15 with 27 and his 75 in the past 3 seasons are second only to Phil Kessel. He’s big, and unlike Kessel, goes to the “dirty areas” to score most of his goals. The Leafs have him locked up for another three seasons at a cap hit of only $4,250,000 making him a bargain compared to other offensive wingers with similar production.

On the other hand, JVR is a “streaky” player who scores in bunches and seems to disappear for long periods of time. His plus minus was a dreadful minus-33, and along with Kessel and Tyler Bozak, the Leafs top line combined for a mind-boggling minus-101. With all the criticism falling on Kessel’s bad season, Van Riemsdyk himself look just as disinterested at times, leaving me to sometimes wonder about his drive.

Obviously, I’m not in the dressing room so I can’t claim to know what kind of character Van Riemsdyk brings to the Leafs but there’s nothing to indicate that he’s a disruptive personality. I believe that he is in the plans for Shanahan and Babcock’s rebuild.

With that being said, EVERYBODY on this roster is available – for the right price.

Next: Tim Chiasson's Answer

Oct 14, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs left wing James van Riemsdyk (21) celebrates with right wing Phil Kessel (81) and center Tyler Bozak (42) after scoring a goal in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Chiasson

If the Toronto Maple Leafs get a reasonable deal for James Van Riemsdyk then they should absolutely let him go.

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JVR is a player that requires massive insulation and seems to be allergic to driving possession. He’s one of the Maple Leafs worst possession players over the last three seasons – and that’s quite the feat considering the team, in general, has been very poor.

If the Toronto Maple Leafs can generate a return for Van Riemsdyk, who is still a young high production offensive player, that includes a first round pick + then they should entertain it.

Van Riemsdyk’s possession play – how nearly every player has a higher percentage without him – doesn’t fit the model the Toronto Maple Leafs are building, and that makes him expendable.

That being said, there’s no need to give him away just for the sake of doing – but options need to be explored.

Next: Cynthia's Answer

Oct 28, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward James van Riemsdyk (21) takes a shot on Buffalo Sabres goaltender Michal Neuvirth (34) during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Cynthia Bin

JVR could be an integral part of the rebuild. To rebuild successfully, and to make sure you don’t prolong it, you can’t throw everything out but the kitchen sink (assuming that Kessel, Lupul and Bozak will probably be gone).

JVR is still relatively young at 26 and has some real valuable qualities that he could use to be a role model for the up and coming prospects. Not to mention he’s one of the few Leafs who can actually score. Yes, he had an off season but every member of the Leafs did.

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JVR harnesses the ability to screen goaltenders, drive to the net and he can work in the real difficult zones down low. He’s also an excellent skater (in offensive situations). JVR could use some work on his defensive game. However, he, like Jake Gardiner who was mentioned in the previous post, sometimes lacks focus.

If JVR fine tunes his defensive game he could be also be a real weapon. Working on back-checking is key. The floating aimlessly in the defensive zone has to stop. As we have all seen in the past the goalies can’t always bail the players out when they get into trouble. Being 6’3 JVR has the size he just needs to learn to utilize it.

Most of these issues are coachable, what it comes down to is systems and hopefully with Babcock at the helm JVR will improve his game and inspire some drive, causing JVR to play with a stronger work ethic.

At the end of the day if the Leafs get a sweet enough deal for JVR they might trade him but they need to either make sure that they get another player with experience and who could be a role model to the young guns and a pick. Which personally I think would be a little counter-productive.

You can’t rebuild a team without a little guidance; it will just take that much longer.

Another pro trade scenario would be a top prospect and a draft pick. Personally, JVR is one of the players I would like to see them keep. He has all the right attributes (Size, Speed, Long Reach, Screening abilities, amazing skill set.) to be a star it’s just comes down to if the coaching staff can get him to utilize them.

Next: Should the Leafs trade Jake Gardiner?

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