Vesey’s Verdict Is In

Jimmy Vesey has been a standout winger throughout his career at Harvard University. After falling just short of winning the Hobey Baker award in 2015, Vesey was able to claim the prize during the 2016 season. Vesey is from North Reading, Massachusetts, making the Boston Bruins a possible landing spot for the highly desired winger. After a prolonged hold out Vesey decided to sign with the New York Rangers on a two-year contract.

This decision was surprising to many people around the hockey world. Vesey is notoriously difficult to deal with when it comes to signing contracts. He turned down offers from both Nashville (the team that drafted him) and Buffalo before hitting the free agent market this summer. Boston was viewed as a likely landing spot due to the family roots Vesey has with Massachusetts. This did not pan out for the Bruins, however, and Vesey signed with the New York Rangers on August 19, 2016.

Vesey has been a standout NCAA player for the last two years and the reigning MVP was one of the most universally admired free agents in the NHL this year. Vesey is known for his goal-scoring ability, leading the NCAA over the last two years with 56 combined goals. Vesey was also a standout in the 2013 world junior championship, where he helped lead America to the gold medal. His leadership qualities and hockey sense are tremendous for a 23-year-old player. It is believed that he is ready for NHL action in October.

The Bruins simply did not have enough upside for the young winger to consider signing with them. They have not made the playoffs in two years and do not seem to have a set direction for the future. The team has gone back and forth between signing young talented players and hardened veterans. Until the Bruins have a set direction, it could be tough to land big name free agents like Vesey. They are much more likely to land players like David Backes, who are in the latter half of their careers but can still give the team some productive years.  

Until the Bruins start making the playoffs and having a consistent identity, it will be tough for them to draw young free agents to their organization. Forwards should not be the main concern for the Bruins, who have not done any work to their porous defense this offseason. The trade market is still a great place for the Bruins to acquire much needed blue line help. Until a defenseman is acquired or signed, defense should be the number one priority for Don Sweeney and his staff.