NHL Free Ageny: Jimmy Vesey signs with New York Rangers

Jimmy Vesey has signed with the New York Rangers.

In 2012, Jimmy Vesey was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the NHL Draft. He also attended Harvard University. The Predators tried to get him signed to an entry level contract after his second season, but Vesey declined. They tried again after his junior year and he cited that he wanted to get his college degree in case hockey didn’t work out for him. Vesey decided to become a free agent rather than sign with the Predators. He has now signed with the New York Rangers.

Vesey’s decision to become a free agent is a unique one. It could be one that inspires other draftees to explore free agency rather than signing with the team that owns their rights. Vesey had the right to be a free agent because of the collective bargaining agreement. Will teams push to get that loophole out of the CBA? That could be something worth keeping an eye on.

He chose the Rangers over the New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, and New Jersey Devils. Vesey’s friendship with Rangers forward Kevin Hayes likely played a role in his decision.

Financial terms have not been confirmed yet but he will likely have a $925,000 cap hit for two seasons, the largest cap hit allowed. That does not include the performance bonuses that Vesey likely has in his contract.

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So what will Vesey bring to the Rangers? He potentially gives them solid production at a relative bargain. Vesey was an impressive goal scorer in college with 56 goals in his final two college seasons. The Rangers need cheap production with their cap situation. Vesey could give them that for at least two seasons. He will likely be on the Rangers’ third forward line as the Rangers look to copy the Penguins’ blueprint of having three forward lines that can score.