The Daily: JVR is High Value Red Wings UFA Signee; Tkachuk Returning

Sunday’s Detroit Red Wings’ 4-3 win against the Ottawa Senators had several layers to it. It was another win for goalie John Gibson. Detroit players stood up for each other in a physical game. Marco Kasper now has points in back-to-back games. Patrick Kane moved closer to passing Mike Modano to become the top points producer among U.S-born players.

But the storyline deserving of a bigger headline is James van Riemsdyk’s growing importance as an offensive player. Van Riemsdyk scored his 13th goal of the season. Unquestionably, he is one of the best free agent signees in Steve Yzerman’s tenure as GM. On a one-year deal for $1 million, van Riemsdyk is the team’s fourth-leading goal scorer. He has totaled 10 points (3-7-10) in seven games since Jan. 5 at Ottawa.

JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK. MY GOODNESS! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/yCsifsCCw4

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 18, 2026

His through-the-legs power play goal is appearing regularly in NHL highlights this morning.

Detroit coach Todd McLellan said the goal was about van Riemsdyk’s understanding of space.

“He knew if he kept it on his backhand, he wasn’t going to beat the goaltender,” McLellan said. “He had to get it to the other side of the net, no time. So go between the legs and score one. I think (Tim) Stutzle scored one like that last night, too. It’s becoming a more common tool that some high-end players are using in and around that area.”

Red Wings in Case You Missed It

The Red Wings showed in a win against the Ottawa Senators that they won’t be pushed around.

Call Alex DeBrincat Mr. OT. He delivered again for the Red Wings when they needed him.

Beloved Mickey Redmond will miss some games in the TV booth because he’s having cervical spinal fusion surgery.

Red Wings Extra

McLellan lauded Elmer Soderblom for how he has played since he returned to the lineup. He had two shots on goal and five hits in the rough and tumble 4-3 overtime win against Ottawa.  Soderblom was around the puck all night.

“He looks like the player that we need over and over and over again,” McLellan said. “And give him credit. He sat with the coaching staff, kind of clarified some things. He worked really hard during his break, and now he’s hungry and wants to stay in the lineup.”

Hockey Now Network

Florida: The Panthers expect Matthew Tkachuk to return to their lineup tonight against the San Jose Sharks. Florida Panthers. 

San Jose: Teammates discuss how Macklin Celebrini is dealing with his rising stardom. San Jose Sharks. 

Vegas: Hannah Kirkell digs into the particulars of the Rasmus Andersson trade. She offers grades for the move. Vegas Golden Knights.