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The cap-strapped Bruins are looking for bargains, and they're hoping James van Riemsdyk will be one of them.
According to multiple reports, the Bruins are signing the veteran winger to a one-year deal worth $1 million. The team later made the signing official.
Van Riemsdyk, 34, had 12 goals and 17 assists in 61 games last season for the Philadelphia Flyers, but he did score 24 goals the year before and still grades out well analytically as a two-way player and net-front presence.
With Tyler Bertuzzi reportedly expected to sign elsewhere, van Riemsdyk can at least approximate some of what Bertuzzi brought around the net in the offensive zone -- albeit at a more advanced age and for just one year.
The former UNH Wildcat will likely slot in on the Bruins' second or third line and could be used on the power play as well.
With the Bruins entering the start of free agency with $13.6 million in cap space and still nine or 10 roster spots to fill, they were going to have an eye on cheap veterans. Van Riemsdyk certainly qualifies, as will Milan Lucic if and when that contract gets finalized.
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