James Van Riemsdyk

When the Philaelphia Flyers selected James van Riemsdyk with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft they knew they had something special. Growing up in the U.S. National Team Development Program, van Riemsdyk was one of the top players in the United States as an amateur and proved that during his time at the University of New Hampshire where he scored 74 points in just two seasons. In 2009 he signed with the Flyers and began his professional career in the NHL. Initially, it was thought that he’d start in the AHL to get some experience before moving up to the big leagues, but after an impressive pre-season, he earned a spot on the Flyers opening day roster and quickly established himself as one of the top players. After three stellar seasons in Philadelphia, the Flyers signed him to a six-year $25.5 million contract in 2011, essentially making him the face of their franchise. A year later he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs and in 2014 he set career highs in goals with 30 and points with 61. Van Riemsdyk went on to best both totals while with the Maple Leafs. After six seasons in Toronto, he resigned with the team that originally drafted him.