JVR loves college, thinks last night was awfully crazy, he should have taped it

by Governator on Apr 1, 2009 1:34 AM EDT

Top prospect James van Riemsdyk is making his 2nd annual campaign to annoy the hell out of Paul Holmgren.

The 6-3, 19-year-old left-winger just finished his sophomore year at UNH. He scored 17 goals and added 23 assists in 36 regular season games for the Wildcats.

The Flyers are trying to get him on a tryout contract with the Phantoms for the rest of the season. This dance happened last year, and JVR made a very rare move (and ticked Homer off) by choosing to go back to school.

Van Riemsdyk was the Flyer's first pick in the 2007 entry draft and the second pick overall.

"I have spoken a couple of times with his adviser," Holmgren said. "We're still just kind of talking.

"I'm not sure which way this is going to go. [University of New Hampshire] lost and James needs to make a decision whether he wants to leave school or not, and that's kind of what we're talking about right now.

"He's still doing some soul-searching, would be the way to put it right now. I've not talked to James. I've just spoken to his adviser."

On one hand, college is awesome. Especially when it's paid for and you get to be the man every day and be on a varsity athletic team and get mad perks, jersey chasing girls and free gear.

On the other hand, the Flyers are prepared to pay this kid a lot of money, and by a lot of accounts he could be an impact NHL player VERY soon. I would like to see him come out now. It would really be beneficial for him to get in the developmental time at a much higher level of hockey with better, more skilled players. Cheap talent would be really helpful for the Orange and Black next year as they once again fight the cap.

The article also mentions Luca Sbisa will return once Lethbridge's season is over. They are currently in the WHL playoffs. Will the Flyers be able to fit him under the cap?

This item was written by a member of this community and is not necessarily endorsed by Broad Street Hockey.

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Comments

honestly, if JVR returns to school for yet another year I’d say it may be time to trade him. you can only postpone your development for so long. the word on him this past season was that he regressed by playing against lesser competition. another season of that can only hurt.

I dont wanna pass judgement on someone I havnt seen or anything, and I certainly dont want to rip someone for choosing to go to college. However a part of me thinks that he just doesn’t seem to get it. when a team makes you the 2nd pick in the draft and is prepared to offer you a lot of money you need to be prepared to work your ass off to meet those expectations. developing into an NHL star requires countless hours of hard work and experience. you dont get to just pick and choose when it’s time to grow up and become an NHL player.

I want JVR to be a stud, we almost need him too as the shrinking cap will likely force us to get rid of some quality players. but you cant wait around forever.

by njh3293 on Apr 1, 2009 9:37 AM EDT reply actions