Report: Maple Leafs Linked To Reunion With Former No. 2 Pick

With nearly two months elapsed since the start of free agency on July 1, few players are still available in the open market. One of them, however, is a former first-round, No. 2 overall pick, with a close connection to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

According to a recent report by TSN’s Dave Feschuk, the Maple Leafs are considering a reunion with forward James van Riemsdyk as they explore options to strengthen their left-wing depth.

During an August 26 segment on TSN’s “First Up,” analysts Aaron Korolnek and Feschuk discussed the possibility of van Riemsdyk returning to Toronto.

"The Maple Leafs are reportedly interested in adding to their left-wing depth, which I think makes a lot of sense considering what they currently have on their roster and what they currently don't, with Nick Robertson remaining unsigned as a restricted free agent," Feschuk said. "I did look to see who's out there. Who's available? James van Riemsdyk. What a reunion that would be... a possibility."

Van Riemsdyk, an original draft pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2007 NHL draft, spent the first three seasons of his career with the Flyers before being traded to the Maple Leafs in 2012 for defenseman Luke Schenn.

During his tenure in Toronto, van Riemsdyk played 412 regular-season games, scoring 154 goals. He returned to the Flyers in 2018 and most recently played for the Boston Bruins, where he recorded 11 goals and 27 assists in the 2023–24 season.

Sportsnet hockey insider Elliotte Friedman revealed in his most recent 32 Thoughts column published on August 25 that the Maple Leafs are focused on bolstering their depth at the left wing position, indicating there is a "percolating" feeling something will happen on that front.

"I think there are things percolating out there, including Toronto considering left-wing options," Friedman wrote.

Daily Faceoff has van Riemsdyk ranked as the top remaining free agent in their updated free-agent board as of August 27.

Related: Maple Leafs Signing Of Free Agent 'Percolating Out There'