During the NHL pause for the coronavirus pandemic, van Riemsdyk has been in frequent touch with Flyers teammates and fellow reps from other teams to pass along the latest information and scenarios for a potential return.
"It's such a unique situation in terms of correspondence. It honestly feels like around the times of the CBA [Collective Bargaining Agreement] negotiations. There are lots of updates to give guys. Things change by the day, by the hour. We're trying to keep guys in the loop as far as what's going on," van Riemsdyk said in a media conference call on Tuesday.
The player admitted that the uncertainty over the length of the pause is the hardest part to deal with, likening the feeling to "running in place."
"Not just us but for everyone in the world," he said. "It'd be nice if you'd sit at home for a month and then everything will go back to normal. That would be a lot easier for everyone to handle."
Nevertheless, JVR is remaining optimistic that the 2019-20 season can be completed at some point during the summer.
"I'd like to think things in that line versus the other way," he said. "But, ultimately, we want to guarantee the safety of everyone involved. This is a way bigger issue than sports or business."
He is open to different formats for resuming the season, depending on the timing of when such steps may become realistic. JVR, for one, is intrigued by some "outside the box" alterations to the typical playoff format if the pause ends too late to finish off the remainder of the regular season.
In the meantime, van Riemsdyk is trying his best to stay in shape for a potential return. Thus far, he is on target for the 4-to-6 week timeline for medical clearance after sustaining a broken right index finger. He will have a follow-up with his doctor next week.
"Things are on course, healing wise," he said. "I haven't touched a stick yet. I can't lift anything yet that weighs more than a pound. Just doing mostly passive [exercise]."
While his new house is being built, van Riemsdyk and his wife have been staying at his in-laws' home in Minnesota. He works out in a makeshift gym in the basement with things he brought from his home gym.His routine mostly consists of bands and body weights.
"I'm sticking with the part of my routine I can stick with. It's a bit of a different dynamic. You just try to make it work the best you can," he said.
Like all players, JVR has no access to skating due to the closures of rinks around North America during the pandemic. Otherwise, he'd be on the ice and at least keeping up his skating conditioning.
If there is one positive that has come out of the NHL pause and other leagues cancelling their remaining schedules, it has been the way the hockey world has come together for a united purpose. Many NHL players, including Flyers players, have made substantial donations to help those in greater need.
"I know in Philadelphia, some guys have stepped up to help kids get meals with schools canceled. We're all part of the same society, and we want to try to do our part,"he said.
