Throughout the Steve Yzerman era, we have learned where the Detroit Red Wings' general manager falls short. While he's been stellar at building the organization's prospect pool through the draft, adding talent from outside has been a different story.
Just look at goaltender John Gibson, who's been an outright bust lately. But Gibson isn't the only player the Wings acquired in the summer of 2025 who fans may think is wearing the 'bust' label so far. James van Riemsdyk, who put up 16 goals and 36 points in 2024-25 with the Columbus Blue Jackets, figured to be a decent depth scorer in Hockeytown, but that aspect of his game has yet to pan out.
He may be in his age-36 season and in the twilight of his career, but fans were expecting more points production from van Riemsdyk than two (one goal) he put up in 16 games, paired with a minus-5 rating.
His lack of productivity is one reason the Wings have been forced to rely on the likes of Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, Lucas Raymond, and, when healthy, Patrick Kane, who was ironically drafted one slot before van Riemsdyk in 2007.
It's easy to label James van Riemsdyk a bust so far, but there's a catch
van Riemsdyk, who missed all of training camp and the preseason to deal with a family matter, has been better than you think when on the ice. While his productivity has waned, van Riemsdyk is playing fourth-line minutes, averaging just 11:47 of total ice time. That alone shows us that scoring isn't necessarily his role this season, but to look more like a defensive forward has been his forte.
It's also worth noting that van Riemsdyk is fourth on the team in Corsi For percentage at even strength, clocking in at 57.0. That number gets even better when you consider his offensive zone starting percentage is 52.3, well under his Corsi For.
Fans may point to his abysmal 3.4 on-ice shooting percentage as "proof" that he's been a bust lately, but they can't neglect his 89.7 on-ice save percentage. That number ranks fourth on the team among players who have appeared in at least 16 games this season, and fifth for those playing in at least 10.
James van Riemsdyk has been a role player with the Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings clearly expected van Riemsdyk to slide into a specific role this season and play it well. So far, he hasn't disappointed, and judging from his Corsi For, it's not like he's not creating opportunities in the offensive zone.
Meanwhile, other free-agent additions have been putting up more offense. Mason Appleton has eight points and three goals in 21 games, which isn't a bad number for a guy averaging just 13:54 of ice time per contest. With 23 hits, Appleton has kept his physical edge, and that's something the Red Wings needed heading into the year.
Jacob Bernard-Docker might only be a part-time player, but he makes the most of his 12:58 of average total ice time. Bernard-Docker may have just one point in 10 games, but he's sporting a 14.5 on-ice shooting percentage and a 93.1 on-ice save percentage. To put it into lay terms, Bernard-Docker simply helps the Red Wings win games, and they are 7-3 when he's in the lineup.
Overall, all three of these players, including van Riemsdyk, are playing their respective roles well. It's one reason why the Wings are, despite their shortcomings, in second place so far in this tight Atlantic Division race, and they can easily retake first with a win on Saturday.
Should they keep playing those roles well, then the Wings should at least contend for a top-three spot in the Atlantic all season, which would be a massive improvement from what fans have grown used to.