Playing Career
Prior to playing professionally, Vandermeer played four seasons of junior hockey for the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League (WHL). In his final season (2000–01), Vandermeer was the Captain of the Rebels team that won the WHL Championship and the Memorial Cup. He then signed a contract with the Philadelphia Flyers as an undrafted free agent.
Vandermeer was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks on February 19, 2004, with Colin Fraser and a 2004 2nd round draft pick in exchange for Alexei Zhamnov. During the NHL lock-out, he played with the Norfolk Admirals, the AHL affiliate to the Chicago Blackhawks.
During the 2005-2006 season with the Chicago Blackhawks, Jim earned $1.225 million per year and was named one of the teams "A" Alternate Captain for select games.
On December 18, 2007, Jim was traded back to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Ben Eager.
On February 20, 2008, Jim was traded to the Calgary Flames for a third round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
On July 1, 2008, James signed a 3 year deal worth $6.9 million as an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) with the Calgary Flames.
On June 27, 2009, Jim was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for Brandon Prust.
On April 7, 2010, Jim was named Man of the Year by the Phoenix Coyotes.
On June 30, 2010, Jim was traded to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Patrick O'Sullivan.
On March 22, 2011, Jim recorded his 100th career point vs the Nashville Predators with an assist on a goal by Jordan Eberle.
During the 2010-2011 season with the Edmonton Oilers, Jim was named one of the teams "A" Alternate Captain for select games.
On July 1, 2011, Jim became a unrestricted free agent and signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the San Jose Sharks.
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