Toronto Maple Leafs: Should They Trade James Van Riemsdyk?
By Tim Chiasson
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.
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