The 2023-24 NHL season should be an exciting campaign for the Boston Brui s. Not only is it the 100th anniversary of the franchise, but they are also coming off a historically remarkable regular season capped off with a conclusion filled with disappointment. Over the next few weeks, we will look at each new addition to the organization, discussing their potential impact and realistic expectations for the season ahead.

We begin our journey with the 34-year-old left winger, James van Riemsdyk.

At the start of this summer's edition of "Free Agent Frenzy," Don Sweeney and the Bruins made it clear that they would be taking a low-risk approach to the offseason, relying on cost-effective acquisitions to keep the team in postseason contention and signing van Riemsdyk to a one-year contract worth $1 million fits directly into that plan. If van Riemsdyk's production continues declining, the Bruins can cut ties after one season without investing significant money in the player. Conversely, if he experiences a resurgence, Boston will find themselves capitalizing on a bargain during a potential transition season.

Still, the question remains. What can the Bruins realistically expect from a 34-year-old JVR this season?

Similarly to the Flyers as a whole, the 2022-23 season was not a pretty one for James van Riemsdyk. Scoring just 12 goals in 61 games, JVR's dip in effectiveness proved glaring for a franchise in desperate need of offense. Yes, health and quality surrounding talent certainly played a role. However, his struggles proved worrisome enough that no contending team was willing to acquire him at the trade deadline, even with Philadelphia eating half of his remaining salary.

So what did Sweeney see in him? It doesn't take much to see that JVR's scoring touch may still exist. Although last season was a forgettable one, he did manage to pot 24 goals for the Flyers just one year prior. Before that, he remained close to the 20-goal mark in shortened seasons in 2019-20 and 2020-21. Proof that his net-front scoring ability remains enough to take a $1 million swing on him and that placing him on a higher-quality roster with likely more-skilled linemates may unleash him again.

Considering the projected lack of scoring depth on this Bruins roster, it is likely that van Riemsdyk begins the year slotting in as the left-winger on the team's second line. Assuming Patrice Bergeron does return, mainly because I'm going for optimism, van Riemsdyk would potentially start on a line with Pavel Zacha and either Jake Debrusk or David Pasternak. Whoever is on the opposite wing, there is enough skill there to unlock his scoring once again.

In a perfect world, Boston would love to see JVR show enough to be a solid second-line option to start the season while providing him powerplay time as the net-front guy. As the year progresses, the Bruins would hope that one of their younger players would force their way into the top of the lineup, sliding van Riemsdyk down to a third-line role and limiting his five-on-five time while still providing him minutes on the power play.

While picturing him as a serviceable second-line winger until someone forces him down the depth chart is the optimistic view, there is always the chance that JVR proves ineffective. If the production does not exist, van Riemsdyk is also a candidate for eventually playing himself out of the lineup. At JVR's age, he is not getting any faster. If he cannot capitalize as a net-front producer, the Bruins may not view him as a solution if the waters get murky.

Like most of Boston's offseason acquisitions, an auro of uncertainty surrounds James van Riemsdyk and his potential contributions. Bringing him aboard may prove to be a mistake of low consequence. Still, if he can put last season behind him, the opportunity for reward exists.

Quick Note

Hey, Bruins fans! As I'm sure you were able to conclude, I will be taking over as the Bruins blogger for HockeyBuzz. Filling Anthony's shoes after six years of incredible work will be difficult, but I am excited about the opportunity. I aim to provide Bruins content, analysis, and opinions that provoke thought and dialogue.

I look forward to being a part of your strong community throughout the upcoming season and beyond. Cheers!

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