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The Wait Is Over - Jimmy Vesey Is Coming To The Rangers

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6108/19/2016 9:54 PM

This is HUGE for the New York Rangers. A franchise that gives away draft picks like they were Olympic rubbers & are habitually scraping the cap ceiling makes up for it (again) by inking another collegiate stud to a free agent entry-level deal a la Kevin Hayes. The 23 year-old Jimmy Vesey shows some balls right away by deciding against a squad like the Blackhawks where he’d merely be a piece of the puzzle for a team already entrenched at the top of this decade. Vesey didn’t stay home in Boston & he didn’t choose to ride Auston Matthews’ coattails for the Leafs reclamation project. The Hobey Baker Award winner stepped up to where he could make the biggest immediate impact under the brightest lights and is coming to MSG. Accepting the challenge of being a difference-maker for an Original 6 team & HOF goalie who’s the most deserving player of a Cup after recent swings-and-misses is a bold move by the kid. Gotta respect it.

Let’s be clear though – sure Vesey’s got talent but fans should temper expectations. He’s got a great college resume. He rolled on USA’s top line with JT Miller & Johnny Gaudreau on their way to the 2013 World Juniors championship before being part of the bronze World Championships squad in 2015. Vesey is seasoned & can absolutely contribute in the top 9. Not necessarily a superstar but certainly has all the tools – decent size, good speed, hands, vision, two-way smarts, leadership – to garner some Calder consideration. The NHL is like nothing else though. If Vesey can put up around 40 points without proving to be a defensive liability, his biggest impact on the Rangers will be allowing them to roll 4 lines like all true Cup contenders need to do. Spitballing:

Kreider/Zucc/Stepan
Nash/Buchnevich/Zibanejad
Miller/Vesey/Hayes
Fast/Grabner/Jooris with Gerbe/Lindberg (injured) as options

That’s a young & balanced overall forward rotation AV shouldn’t have to worry nearly as much about shielding like last season. Also, with a boost in depth, the Rangers could now be more inclined to part with Rick Nash for some much-needed help on the back end. Just slide JT up to Nash’s spot, bump Fast or Grabner to the third line for protection of Vesey & Hayes – problem solved. No more killer forward contracts, everyone under 29 & a majority under team control for a while. Can’t ask for much more.

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It’s no slam dunk that Buchnevich & Vesey will thrive as rooks while other more established youngsters finally break out – but it’s not impossible. Look at the Penguins improbable Cup run fueled by Murray, Sheary & Rust. A Crosby on the roster would be nice too, but plenty of Cup teams get there in part to a “perfect storm” & this group has the pieces to do the same before Hank’s clock runs out.

Anyway, welcome to New York Jimmy Vesey. I’m working on your Barstool shirt. All I got right now are “Vesey Fo’ Sheezy” & “Easy, Vesey, Beautiful” but there’s plenty of time – even though I knew you’d be here two days ago:


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610
6108/19/2016 9:54 PM