Left winger James van Riemsdyk left the game early Sunday after taking a puck to the hand. Tuesday, John Tortorella announced the veteran broke a finger and will undergo surgery Friday. Tortorella said there’s currently no timeline for his return, but they’ll know more following the surgery.» READ MORE:
While van Riemsdyk had a quiet training camp , he has since impressed his new coach. With five points in six games, van Riemsdyk has the third-most points on the team. He’s also in the final year of his contract, and he’s played like he has something to prove Van Riemsdyk has been an essential part of the team’s success, not only because of the goals he’s scored but also because of the way he’s scored them. His two goals have both come on the power play. The Flyers’ power play was the worst in the NHL last year , and van Riemsdyk’s goals have helped them gain confidence and improve in that regard so far this season .
“I’ve learned a lot from Reemer and looking at what he does on a day-to-day basis at net front,” said Laughton. “So trying to pick up little things from him and add something, a different element to that unit if I’m on it.”The news Tuesday wasn’t all negative. While they still have to be cleared, both forward Owen Tippett and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen participated in practice.