Rangers get their man, ink Vesey to two-year deal
The Rangers have once again proved to be a desirable landing spot for a highly coveted college UFA.
Jimmy Vesey, former Hobey Baker award winner and NCAA hockey standout, has been signed to a two-year deal with a cap hit of $925K.
This is a major win for the Rangers.
What they’ve added is a potential top-six forward with a scoring punch. The Rangers continue to find ways to add young talent to the prospect pool despite trading every first round pick they’ve ever owned in the hunt for the team’s elusive fifth Stanley Cup.
Vesey, 23, figures to have been enticed by the prospect of playing with fellow Bostonian Kevin Hayes. Sources confirmed that Hayes was a part of the Blueshirts’ pitch for the Harvard standout. The Rangers’ brass made the trip to Boston on Wednesday to woo Vesey and his people.
In his senior season at Harvard, Vesey netted 24 goals and added 22 assists. He can be described as a player who sees the ice well and uses his creativity to make plays most others wouldn’t see. Much like Hayes, Vesey is the opposite of a north-south player.
Vesey (Boston Globe)
He is really good with the puck on his stick.
One thing is for sure: there were plenty of serious suitors for the winger’s talents. Among them, the dynastic Chicago Blackhawks, his home-town Boston Bruins, and the defending Cup champion Penguins.
Will roster moves be made in the wake of Vesey’s signing? Does this spell the end of Rick Nash on Broadway? These questions are legitimate and will be answered in due time.
For now, fans, take to social media to rub it in the faces of Islanders, Bruins, Devils and Blackhawks fans. Be warned, though: the salt will be real. In the end, the Rangers were the perfect fit for Vesey.
JV to NYR.
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