The most sought after college free agent in several years has made a decision. Jimmy Vesey will sign an entry-level contract with the New York Rangers. TSN’s Bob McKenzie was first with the news on his twitter account.
After consulting with his agents Pete Fish and Pete Donatelli today, Jimmy Vesey has decided to sign with NYR. #VeseyWatch is over.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) August 19, 2016
Jimmy Vesey Signs with New York Rangers
Vesey was originally drafted by the Nashville Predators in the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft, 66th overall. He spent four years at Harvard University, winning the 2015-16 Hobey Baker award. Vesey was also a finalist for the 2014-15 Hobey Baker, losing out to Jack Eichel then of Boston University.
Vesey scored 144 points in 128 games in his four years with Harvard. He picked up 24 goals and 46 points in 33 games during his Hobey Baker winning season.
Vesey choose to become a free agent, spurning the offers of the Nashville Predators. This greatly upset Predators general manager David Poile. At the 2016 draft, the Predators flipped his rights to the Buffalo Sabres for a third round pick.
The move is a real coup for the Rangers, who add a blue-chip prospect to one of the weakest prospect pools in the National Hockey League. Vesey is expected to immediately compete for a role in the Rangers top six forwards.
For a look at exactly what Vesey brings to the Rangers, you can check out our detailed scouting report here.
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)
