On Canadian Thanksgiving in Toronto, James van Riemsdyk marked his Detroit Red Wings debut with a timely goal and a sense of relief after a difficult month at home. The 36-year-old forward, a Middletown, New Jersey native and former Maple Leafs player, scored on a third-period breakaway to put Detroit ahead 2-0 at Scotiabank Arena. The Red Wings went on to win 3-2.
Van Riemsdyk signed a one-year, $1 million contract with Detroit on July 1 but missed training camp to be with his family after his wife, Lauren, gave birth to twins. Complications led to an extended hospital stay for one of the babies, and he remained away from the team until the situation stabilized. He was activated from nonroster status on Saturday and, after a couple of practices, played his first game for Detroit two days later, starting his 17th NHL season.
James van Riemsdyk’s Impact on the Ice
In his return, he finished plus-1 with 10:09 of ice time and delivered the key breakaway strike at 4:25 of the third period. The goal came in a building where he had many past highlights during his Toronto tenure from 2012 to 2018. Detroit’s coaching staff and players supported his decision to put family first, and the team emphasized that his long career reflects his commitment to the game. They noted he worked hard to get back up to speed once he rejoined the group.
Van Riemsdyk characterized the past few weeks as an emotional stretch and said the support from the organization helped him settle back into his routine. Returning to the ice in Toronto and contributing to a win made the night feel like a welcome return to normal. His performance not only showcased his dedication to the sport but also highlighted the importance of balancing personal life and professional commitments.
As the season progresses, fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on van Riemsdyk’s contributions to the Red Wings and how his experiences off the ice continue to shape his performance. With a strong start to his season, he aims to build on this momentum and contribute significantly to his new team.