The Hockey Night in Canada news desk says the trade market ahead of the Christmas trade freeze is pretty quiet with one exception (sort of).
He’s not being shopped but Toronto Maple Leafs forward James van Riemsdyk and his contract is a valuable asset other teams would love to get their hands on.
“The name JVR has been out there the last little while,” said Nick Kypreos on the Headlines segment Saturday. “I can tell you there’s nothing going on in terms of hard offers but teams are asking about him and the Leafs are willing to listen. They know that he wants a long-term deal and that’s a deal that can start negotiations as early as July.
“But they will hold him at a premium, much like [Phil] Kessel, they think that rate of return could be out there for JVR.”
van Riemsdyk has this and next season remaining on his deal that takes up just $4.25 million of the salary cap. As of July 1, 2017, the Leafs and their winger can begin negotiations on a new contract.
The 27-year-old has 12 goals and 21 points in 29 games this year.
