In a surprise appearance on Spittin’ Chiclets today, veteran forward James van Riemsdyk (JvR) dropped a juicy nugget that immediately lit up the Columbus Blue Jackets rumor mill.
The topic? A potential return to CBJ.
While the conversation was mostly light-hearted and full of the usual Chiclets banter, JvR didn’t shy away when asked about his short stint in Columbus — and whether he could see himself back in a Blue Jackets sweater.
> “Yeah, I actually really liked my time there,” van Riemsdyk said with a grin. “It was short, but the guys were great, the city’s underrated, and honestly, I wouldn’t rule anything out.”
Wait, what?!
That subtle-but-sizzling comment had fans immediately speculating online. The 35-year-old winger is set to become a free agent this summer, and with Columbus in the midst of a youth movement, his veteran presence and leadership could be exactly what GM Don Waddell is looking for.
JvR’s brief time in Columbus was back in 2023-24, when he was acquired at the deadline but only played a limited role before heading to free agency. Still, it seems the impression the city and organization made on him hasn’t faded.
> “It’s a team with a lot of potential. If the right situation came up… who knows?”
With rumors swirling around potential offseason moves and the Blue Jackets looking to build a competitive core around their young talent, could a reunion with JvR be more than just podcast fodder?