The Toronto Maple Leafs signed free-agent winger Jimmy Vesey to a one-year contract worth $900,000 per season. This contract carries him through the 2020-21 season.
🖋️ We’ve signed Jimmy Vesey to a one-year contract! #LeafsForever
Details: https://t.co/H6dzk1gSdh pic.twitter.com/AjK4bcWkRR
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 12, 2020
Jimmy Vesey Signs
Over his four-year NHL career, Vesey has played for the New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres. He has put up 59 goals and 51 assists for 110 career points in 304 career games. He was originally drafted in the third round, 66th overall of the 2012 NHL draft by the Nashville Predators.
Last season, Vesey put up nine goals and 11 assists for 20 points with the Sabres. In his first three seasons with the Rangers, Vesey scored 50 goals and 40 assists for 90 points. His goals-per-game average dropped from 0.21 in New York to 0.14 in Buffalo. His average points per game dropped from 0.38 to 0.31.
What This Means for the Future
As Vesey enters his fifth season, he’s looking to prove himself. Last season was his worst as a pro. With a career-low in goals and points, Vesey is hoping this new contract can jump-start his offence. He entered the league with top-six talent and promise, but he will likely have to start in a bottom-six role this season.
Vesey will likely begin the season as a third-line winger with offensive upside. While Vesey has underachieved thus far, he’s just 27 years old and has the opportunity to play his way into a top-six role. This could be a make-or-break season for Vesey to prove if he is an offensive threat or will settle into a depth role moving forward.
Knowing that, expect Vesey to put forward his best effort this season. His performance will likely determine his future role in the NHL. If he plays anything like he did last season he’ll be stuck among the bottom-six, but if he can improve on his play from his first three years there’s hope for him ahead.
Main Photo:
