Jimmy Vesey, the 2016 Hobey Baker Award winner and Boston native, is headed to New York City. The prized left-winger signed an entry-level contract with the Rangers Friday afternoon after opting to test free agency.
“I think for me the thing that jumped out at me was that they came to really want me,” Vesey said. “Talking to them, it seemed that they really needed to have me in their lineup and it seemed that they believe in me. That was something that I was looking for and I think based off out talks, New York was the right fit.”
Vesey, who is now 23, played in 128 games for Harvard scoring 144 points. Vesey scored 24 goals and 22 assists in 33 games. He was awarded the Hobey Baker Award as the nations best college player.
Rangers General Manager, Jeff Gorton, former Ranger and current Director of Player Development Chris Drury and childhood friend and current Ranger, Kevin Hayes all had an impact on Vesey choosing the Rangers.
“He’s someone I’ve known since childhood,” said Vesey of Hayes. We played a little bit together growing up, and we work out together and skate in the summer. I’ve talked to Kevin a lot and he went through the same process. I think he definitely had big impact on me.”
Chris Kreider, another Boston area kid playing for the Rangers helped his decision. “I’m also familiar with Chris Kreider from being from Massachusetts.
Former Rangers captain, Chris Drury was another big piece of Gorton’s presentation for Vesey. “I think he really enjoyed meeting Chris Drury and seeing some similarities, the Hobey Baker and how he handles himself,” said Gorton.
Gorton was right.
“Chris Drury was someone that I was really impressed with during the meeting with the Rangers and he’s someone that I respect a lot based on his career,” said Vesey.
It wasn’t just the Rangers that wanted Vesey to come to New York. Celebrities and athletes for other professional teams in New York were tweeting at him. “To be honest, I tried to stay off social media this week as much as I could, but I had buddies and relatives texting me those tweets,” said Vesey. “I was definitely aware of them, and they were pretty funny and pretty cool that those celebrities were reaching out to me. I didn't think it kind of factored into the decision, so to speak, but one of the things I liked about New York was the top-notch lifestyle the city offers.”
When Vesey’s decision came, Jeff Gorton was more than just happy. “I was glad to see the called ID and see the Boston number. I hurried to answer it. When he said ‘Hi, it's Jimmy Vesey and I made my decision and I’d like to come to New York,’ I probably swore. I can’t remember exactly what I did, but I’d say I had a pretty exciting comeback for him,” said Gorton. “I probably can’t say it in public.”
Vesey, decided last season to remain in college for one more year rather than signing with the Nashville Predators, who drafted him 66th overall in the 2012 NHL draft. Earlier in the offseason, his rights were traded to the Buffalo Sabres, but he decided not to sign with them.
“I think I like to play a little bit of a mix between power forward and a skilled forward,” said Vesey. “I think that my offensive instincts would definitely be a strong suit of my game.”
At 6”1’ and 195 pounds, Vesey won't be the biggest player on the ice, but if he can combine his skill and physical play, he could be an extremely effective player on the Rangers roster. Skilled players who can play with an edge are highly sought after in todays NHL, so it is no wonder why just about every team wanted to sign him.
Vesey, as confident as he is, knows that he cannot take anything for granted. “There’s not guarantees in sports obviously, but I feel that New York is somewhere that I can plug in right away and play and hopefully stick in the NHL,” Vesey said. “It’s obviously not just going to be given to me; I’m going to have to put in the work and perform on the ice. But I thought New York was somewhere I could plug in right away and be on the opening night roster.”
