The Jimmy Vesey saga is nearing its long-awaited end. For months now the Harvard graduate has been in the news as speculation of his potential landing spot has grown. The Buffalo Sabres entered the mix back on June 20th when they traded for Vesey’s rights from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2016 third round pick. The move was a low-risk high reward trade by general manager Tim Murray. Buffalo had 4 third round picks entering the draft. Using one to attempt to bring in a top end talent like Vesey, was well worth the loss of the pick.
Sabres Remain in the Hunt for Jimmy Vesey
The Sabres wasted no time in making a pitch. The organization met with Vesey his agent on July 7th in Boston for a few hours. Since then, Buffalo has been hands off and let the process unfold. Murray indicated that the ball was in Vesey’s court. He went on to say that he doesn’t spend time worrying where the 23-year-old will sign. Murray is very organized and usually, has a plan for various scenarios.
Free Agency Approaches
Now that we’ve gone through the summer and heard about the speculated destinations, Vesey, is set to become a free agent on Tuesday. We’ll finally find out where the highly coveted prospect will begin his NHL career this upcoming season.
The Sabres have reached out to the Vesey camp again according to TSN’s Ryan Rishaug. Buffalo is pushing hard to try to get something done as the deadline approaches. It’s highly unlikely that Vesey will sign with the Sabres prior to hitting the open market on Monday. However, the Sabres will remain the running and on the short list of teams, the college free agent is considering. The two sides plan to remain in contact throughout the week.
Vesey camp having last minute talks with Sabres. Will likely still go to FA, but Buffalo still very much in the mix.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) August 14, 2016
Buffalo continues to be a prime landing spot for the Boston native. The team is a young group on the rise. They have the potential to be a dangerous club in a few years and adding Vesey to that mix will only further expedite that path.
The Eichel Connection
The Sabres have a spot in the top six of their forwards for Vesey to slide into. Not only do they have a spot in the top six, but that spot could be playing on the wing with friend Jack Eichel. The star center continues to play a vital role in recruiting Vesey to Buffalo. As many know by now, the two have spent the summer playing together in Boston. Combined with 2014 second overall pick, Sam Reinhart, the trio could form a very dynamic young line.
The drama in the Vesey sweepstakes will likely pick up throughout the week before a decision is ultimately made on Thursday or Friday according to Kevin Paul Dupont. The Sabres will remain in the running and likely will be one of the final teams in consideration.
The hockey world will now grab some popcorn and await a conclusion. It’ll also be interesting to see what the fallout be around the league from the decision. Will teams who lose out move quickly to sign one of the free agents remaining on the market or make a late summer trade? We shall see.
Main Photo:
BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 1: Jimmy Vesey #19 of the Harvard Crimson warms up prior to NCAA hockey in the semifinals of the annual Beanpot Hockey Tournament against the Boston College Eagles at TD Garden on February 1, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Eagles won 3-2. (Photo by Richard T Gagnon/Getty Images)
