New York Rangers sign Jimmy Vesey to 1-year deal

new york rangers jimmy vesey
Sep 26, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Jimmy Vesey (26) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers announced on Sunday that they have agreed to terms with forward Jimmy Vesey on a one-year contract. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Per PuckPedia it’s for $750,000.

This now officially marks the second go-round for Vesey and the Blueshirts.

The 29 year-old was originally drafted by the Nashville Predators in 2012 but did not sign an entry-level contract becoming a free agent out of college. He began his NHL career by signing with the Rangers 2016-17. He spent three seasons on Broadway registering 50 goals and 90 points in 240 games before being bounced around the league.

His first stop was with the Buffalo Sabres after the Rangers traded him there in 2019 for a third-round pick in the 2021 draft (Jayden Grubbe). From there, he made additional stops in Toronto, Vancouver and New Jersey over six seasons.

Along the way, the promising NCAA star many projected to be a top six forward realized he had to change his game.

“I had to re-invent myself as a fourth-line guy who could kill penalties,” Vesey said. “I’m not one for pumping my own tires, but I think I did a pretty good job of that.” 

That’s what he did for the Devils last season by scoring two shorthanded goals and adding 16 points in 68 games.

New York Rangers sign Jimmy Vesey

jimmy vesey
John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

Vesey has been excellent in preseason action playing for his NHL life.

In five exhibition games, he recorded a goal and 2 assists. He likely turned his professional tryout (PTO) into a standard contract last night against the Islanders when he jumped Alexandar Romanov after he left his feet to hit Vincent Trocheck.

His ability to kill penalties was also another important factor and gives the Rangers more options to choose from in a game. Vesey will easily replace the role that Tyler Motte had on the fourth line last season and for less money.

The big question now is what will the Rangers do with Vitali Kravtsov and Dryden Hunt? Both will need to go on waivers in order to be sent down to the Wolf Pack.

Earlier today, the Rangers placed Julien Gauthier and Jarred Tinordi on waivers.

Could a trade be in the works for either Hunt or Kravtsov? It remains to be seen.

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Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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