"As a right-handed defenseman, Trevor fills an immediate need in our lineup," said Francis. "He has obviously already experienced success in Chicago, and now will be another good, young piece on our blueline."
Van Riemsdyk, 25, appeared in 58 regular-season games for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2016-17, registering 16 points (5g, 11a) and a plus-17 rating. The Middletown, NJ, native has totaled 31 points (8g, 23a) in 158 career regular-season games for Chicago, where he signed as a free agent in March 2014. Van Riemsdyk has appeared in 15 career playoff games, and won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Blackhawks in 2014.
Prior to turning professional, van Riemsdyk (6'2", 188 lbs.) played three seasons at the University of New Hampshire, where he was teammates with Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce. Van Riemsdyk totaled 75 points (16g, 59a) in 102 career games with the Wildcats, and was named an AHCA East First-Team All-American in 2013. He represented the United States at the 2017 IIHF World Championship along with Hurricanes blueliner Noah Hanifin.
