According to Elliotte Friedman, the Sabres have spoken with the Rangers about Jimmy Vesey. (Sportsnet)
It’s been noted before that Vesey could be a trade chip for the Rangers.
He has one-year left on his contract at $2.27 million and is slated to be a UFA following the 2019-20 season.
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This past season, Vesey had 17 goals and 18 assists in 81 games.
- October: 12 games, 3 goals, minus four rating, 26 shots, 16:04 per game
- November: 14 games, 5 goals, 4 assists, plus five, 31 shots, 17:30 per game
- December: 12 games, 2 goals, 6 assists, plus four rating, 25 shots, 15:58 per game
- January: 11 games, 1 goal, 3 assists, minus two rating, 15 shots, 14:42 per game
- February: 13 games, 5 goals, 5 assists, plus two rating, 27 shots, 16:17 per game
- March: 15 games, 1 goal, 0 assists, minus seven rating, 24 shots, 15:53 per game
- April: 4 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, minus four rating, 6 shots, 14:58 per game
Vesey was property of the Sabres for a few months prior to signing with the Rangers though that was with the Sabres’ previous regime.
Earlier in the year Vesey said that he is establishing his identity as a “hard worker in all situations” and noted that when he is “engaged” he is at his best. (NY Post)
He added that he is contributing in more ways than just scoring and feels that he is “more engaged” than in past years. (NY Post)
David Quinn said that Vesey is playing with more edge and that since he is in better shape, he is able to play a “faster game.” (NY Post)
Brady Skjei said that he is seeing Vesey play not just with more confidence but also more “aggressively.” (NY Post)
Vesey said that he is getting better about not getting down on himself and said that Quinn has “entrusted a lot of faith in me.”(NY Post)
Quinn said that while Vesey gets down on himself easily, he knows how the coaches and his teammates feel about him. (NYR)
Quinn added that Vesey is someone that the Rangers “rely on.” (NYR)
Adam Rotter: There were times last season where Vesey looked like the player the Rangers hoped he would be when he signed. Then there were times, especially after the deadline, where Vesey left a lot to be desired with his play and production. There is some risk in potentially dealing Vesey, as he is just entering his fourth pro season, but whether it’s this summer or next season, the Rangers have to make a decision on Vesey’s future.