REPORT: Boston Bruins Set To Acquire Two Veteran Forwards For PTO

As training camp nears, the Boston Bruins have been linked to possible Professional Tryout Offers (PTOs) for veteran forwards Blake Wheeler and Kailer Yamamoto. The Bruins have already added Elias Lindholm to fill the top-line center role, but they currently have an opening at second-line right wing. While Providence Bruins forwards Georgii Merkulov and Fabian Lysell are potential candidates to step up if they have strong camps, General Manager Don Sweeney may be considering more proven, reliable options to start the 2024-25 season.

Another veteran who could be a reliable option for the Bruins is James Van Riemsdyk. After spending the 2023-24 season with Boston, the 35-year-old winger is currently a free agent. Although he primarily plays on the left side, Van Riemsdyk could provide valuable insurance, similar to how Danton Heinen did by signing a PTO with the club last season.

Van Riemsdyk had a strong start last year but slowed down as the season progressed, finishing with 11 goals and 27 assists in 71 regular season games. He also contributed a goal and four assists in 11 postseason games. Over his career, the 6-foot-3, 207-pound forward has amassed 311 goals and 318 assists in 1,011 regular season contests.

As a solid veteran presence, Van Riemsdyk could be a good option if the Bruins’ prospects aren’t quite ready. A PTO might be a sensible choice for him, given his experience, locker room presence, and understanding of what it takes to compete in the NHL. Though at 35, his legs may be a bit heavy, his ability to go to the net and be a power play threat remains valuable. Ideally, Van Riemsdyk would prefer a one-year contract, but with the offseason winding down, staying in Boston, a familiar team on the East Coast, could be a comfortable and strategic move.