James van Riemsdyk Bio
James van Riemsdyk is an American professional ice hockey left winger who currently plays for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on May 4, 1989, in Middletown Township, New Jersey, he was drafted second overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. After playing college hockey at the University of New Hampshire, van Riemsdyk launched his professional career in 2009. Over his NHL career spanning more than 1,000 games, he has amassed over 300 goals while playing for the Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and now the Detroit Red Wings. Van Riemsdyk represented the United States at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. He is married to Lauren Tjernlund, and together they have one daughter, Scarlett Everly, born in 2020.
Early Life and Background
James van Riemsdyk grew up in Middletown Township, New Jersey, as the son of Frans and Allison van Riemsdyk. His family were devoted supporters of the New York Rangers of the NHL, which helped foster his passion for hockey from an early age. Van Riemsdyk began skating around the age of five, practicing at a rink in Old Bridge, New Jersey. He spent three years playing minor hockey with the American Eagles of the Monmouth County Youth Hockey Association before moving on to the Brick Hockey Club in Brick Township, where he played for six years.
During his time with the Brick Stars, James and his younger brother Trevor led the club to a national championship. Van Riemsdyk continued his hockey development at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, New Jersey, where he made the varsity team as a freshman. He served as team captain during the 2004-05 Midget AA season and guided the team to the Atlantic District Championship while also helping CBA win the New Jersey Parochial championship that year.
Path to Hockey
Following the 2004-05 hockey season, van Riemsdyk left Christian Brothers Academy to join the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In his two seasons with the NTDP, he scored 65 goals and 124 points, ranking among the top performers in program history at that time. While playing for Team USA, van Riemsdyk developed a friendship with Patrick Kane, who would go on to be drafted first overall in 2007.
Heading into the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, van Riemsdyk was ranked as the third-best North American skater by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau. Patrick Kane was selected first overall by the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Philadelphia Flyers chose van Riemsdyk with the second overall pick. Rather than turning professional immediately, van Riemsdyk honored his commitment to play college hockey at the University of New Hampshire, where he was roommates with future NHL player Phil DeSimone.
James van Riemsdyk Career
College Career (2007-2009)
During his freshman season at New Hampshire in 2007-08, van Riemsdyk recorded 11 goals and 23 assists for 34 points in 31 games. He earned Hockey East Rookie of the Month honors twice and was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team. The following year, he led the team in scoring with 17 goals and 23 assists before deciding to pursue professional hockey.
Philadelphia Flyers Early Career (2009-2012)
Van Riemsdyk signed his entry-level contract with the Flyers on April 1, 2009, and finished the American Hockey League season with the Philadelphia Phantoms, recording one goal and one assist in seven games. He made his NHL debut on October 2, 2009, picking up his first point on a power-play assist against the Carolina Hurricanes. His first NHL goal came on October 24, 2009, scoring in the third period of a 5-1 victory over the Florida Panthers.
Van Riemsdyk impressed throughout his rookie season, earning NHL Rookie of the Month honors for November 2009. He finished his first NHL season with 15 goals and 35 points in 78 games. In the playoffs, he played a crucial role in the Flyers’ historic comeback from a 3-0 series deficit against the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference semifinals, scoring his first career playoff goal in Game 7. The Flyers advanced to the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals before falling to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Toronto Maple Leafs Era (2012-2018)
On June 23, 2012, the Flyers traded van Riemsdyk to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for defenseman Luke Schenn. After a lockout-shortened 2012-13 season, van Riemsdyk emerged as a key offensive contributor for the Maple Leafs. He was placed on the top line alongside Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak and finished the season with 18 goals and 14 assists in 48 games, helping Toronto earn its first playoff appearance since 2005.
The 2013-14 season proved to be van Riemsdyk’s breakout year. He tied the NHL record for the fastest goal from the start of a period, scoring just four seconds into the second period against his former team, the Flyers. He posted 30 goals and 30 assists for 60 points, marking the first time he scored 30 or more goals in a season. Over his six seasons with Toronto, van Riemsdyk reached several milestones, including his 200th career NHL goal and the 20,000th goal in Maple Leafs history on December 19, 2017.
Return to Philadelphia Flyers (2018-2023)
After becoming an unrestricted free agent, van Riemsdyk signed a five-year, $35 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on July 1, 2018. He returned to form despite battling injuries during the 2018-19 season, scoring 27 goals and 48 points in 66 games. He recorded two hat tricks that season and was named NHL East Division Star of the Month for January 2021 after leading the league with four power-play goals in the first 10 games.
Van Riemsdyk reached another career milestone on February 21, 2021, when he recorded his 500th career NHL point in a game against the Boston Bruins. He tied for the team lead with 43 points during the shortened 2020-21 season. Over five seasons back with Philadelphia, van Riemsdyk remained a consistent offensive threat despite experiencing stretches of goal droughts followed by hot streaks.
Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets (2023-2025)
Van Riemsdyk signed a one-year contract with the Boston Bruins on July 1, 2023. He reached a significant career milestone on March 5, 2024, when he played in his 1,000th NHL game against the Edmonton Oilers. The Bruins honored him with a pregame ceremony three games later when Boston faced his former team, the Flyers.
Following his season with Boston, van Riemsdyk signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the 2024-25 season. On July 1, 2025, he signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings, continuing his NHL career into his 17th professional season.
Driving Style and Strengths
Van Riemsdyk is known as a prototypical power forward who combines size, speed, and skill. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, he uses his large frame effectively to win board battles and create scoring opportunities in front of the net. His left-handed shot and ability to score in tight spaces made him a valuable asset on power plays throughout his career. Van Riemsdyk’s versatility allowed him to succeed in various offensive roles, from playing on the top line with star players to contributing as a veteran presence.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, van Riemsdyk has achieved several notable milestones and records. He tied the NHL record for the fastest goal from the start of a period at four seconds. He scored the 20,000th goal in Maple Leafs history on December 19, 2017, a date that coincided with the 100th anniversary of the franchise’s first goal. Van Riemsdyk has appeared in multiple Game 7 playoff matches, often delivering clutch performances when his teams needed him most. His memorable postseason moments include scoring in the Flyers’ historic 2010 comeback against the Bruins and contributing to playoff runs with both Philadelphia and Toronto.
James van Riemsdyk Career Wins
Van Riemsdyk has accumulated over 300 career goals across his NHL seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and Columbus Blue Jackets. His most productive seasons came with Toronto, where he recorded career highs of 36 goals and 62 points. He has scored multiple hat tricks throughout his career and has been a consistent 20-goal scorer when healthy.
NHL Highlights
Van Riemsdyk’s NHL career spans more than 1,000 games with over 300 goals and 500 points. His 2013-14 season marked his first 30-goal campaign, and he followed that with a 36-goal performance in 2017-18 with Toronto. During his first stint with Philadelphia, he helped the team reach the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals. His most recent milestone came in March 2024 when he celebrated his 1,000th NHL game with the Boston Bruins.
International Achievements
Van Riemsdyk has represented the United States at numerous international tournaments. He won a gold medal at the 2006 IIHF World U18 Championships and earned silver at the 2007 World U18 Championships, where he was named the tournament’s top forward and MVP. He also appeared at three World Junior Championships, helping Team USA win bronze in 2007 and leading all scorers in 2008 with 11 points. At the senior level, he played for Team USA at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, and the 2019 IIHF World Championship.
James van Riemsdyk Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
James van Riemsdyk comes from a hockey family with strong roots in the sport. His younger brother Trevor van Riemsdyk is a defenseman who has played for the Washington Capitals and other NHL teams. Another brother, Brendan van Riemsdyk, played college hockey at the University of New Hampshire and Northeastern University before signing with the Reading Royals of the ECHL. Their father, Frans van Riemsdyk, was a devoted hockey fan who supported the family through their early involvement in the sport.
Personal Life
Van Riemsdyk married his longtime girlfriend, Lauren Tjernlund, on July 19, 2019. Their daughter, Scarlett Everly van Riemsdyk, was born on May 2, 2020. During the hockey season, the family resides in Philadelphia’s Society Hill neighborhood, and they maintain a summer home in Minnesota. In the offseason, van Riemsdyk participates in the Da Beauty League, a summer hockey league in Edina, Minnesota. He has been active in charitable efforts, including the You Can Play program, which supports LGBTQ individuals in sports. Van Riemsdyk and his teammates made a cameo appearance in the 2012 comedy film This Is 40.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025-26 season, van Riemsdyk joined the Detroit Red Wings on a one-year, $1 million contract. At 36 years old, he brings veteran experience and offensive capability to a Red Wings team looking to return to playoff contention. His career total of over 300 goals and 500 points demonstrates his continued ability to contribute at the NHL level despite the natural challenges that come with advancing age in professional hockey.
The Red Wings have been rebuilding their roster in recent seasons with an emphasis on youth and speed. Van Riemsdyk’s size and net-front presence offer valuable veteran presence that can help mentor younger players while still providing offensive production. His ability to play both power play and even-strength minutes makes him a flexible option for Detroit’s coaching staff.
Van Riemsdyk’s outlook for the 2025-26 season centers on maintaining his offensive productivity while embracing a potential reduced role compared to his prime years. His experience in high-pressure situations, including multiple Game 7 appearances and international competition, provides intangible value beyond his statistics. As he enters his 17th NHL season, van Riemsdyk remains committed to contributing to team success and continuing his professional hockey career with the Detroit Red Wings.