The spotlight has been burning brightly on Toronto Maple Leafs power forward James van Riemsdyk this season. Not only is the 28-year-old the team’s leading scorer, but he’s been the focal point of seemingly endless trade rumours. The big winger is in the final year of a six-year, $25.5 million contract that pays him an annual salary of $4.25 million and is slated to hit unrestricted free-agency this upcoming offseason.
And, according to a report from TSN’s Frank Seravalli there have been no discussions between the van Riemsdyk and Leafs management on a new deal.
“I’ve tried not to think about,” said van Riemsdyk about the lack of negotiations. “You’re human and it’s your future, so there’s some degree of that. Your mind goes there sometimes – wanting to know for sure.” Regardless of his future situation, van Riemsdyk is doing his best to not let it creep into his current situation. “At this point, I’m just playing it out,” van Riemsdyk said. “I’m just trying to focus on that. The better you play, the more options you open up for yourself.”
The most interesting aspect of van Riemsdyk’s situation is the fact that he’s producing at an incredible clip this season. Despite seeing a significant drop in his ice time, JVR is producing at a career-best clip in terms on points-per-game. It makes you wonder… can the Leafs afford NOT to re-sign him this offseason?
