The Detroit Red Wings are getting even more than they expected when they signed veteran forward James van Riemsdyk to a one-year, $1 million contract on July 1. Through 36 games played, van Riemsdyk has recorded 11 goals and six assists, good for the eighth most points amongst all Red Wings skaters. Since the calendar flipped to 2026, van Riemsdyk has caught fire, totalling two goals and four assists in four games, including a three-point night in a 5-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators.
After two sluggish performances to begin the new year, Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan opted to switch up the line combinations.