On Jimmy Vesey and some of the fallout …
Brian Compton on NHL.com: Jimmy Vesey on the process after his deal with the New York Rangers was finalized yesterday.
“It definitely took on a life of its own, so to speak. I’m not sure that me or anyone else expected that, but that’s not something I signed up for,” Vesey said. “If you talk to anyone that knows me, I’m a quiet kid and I really had no intentions of it getting such a media craze. It was pretty hectic at times, so I’m just glad that the process is over now.”
Steve Zipay of Newsday: Vesey on the decision.
“It was definitely a tough decision,” said Vesey, who was “very impressed” by the pitch from Gorton, coach Alain Vigneault and director of player development Chris Drury, who, like Vesey, had won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the nation’s top college player. “It jumped out they really want me . . . It seemed that they were going to have me in their lineup and believed in me.”
Nicholas Goss: The Blackhawks and Penguins may have been better options for Vesey. A big get by the Rangers who don’t have a lot of draft picks.
Ryan Kennedy: The Rangers are adding some youth to their roster this season with Vesey and Pavel Buchnevich.
On the Boston Bruins …
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: The Boston Bruins fell short in the Vesey sweepstakes. They basically guaranteed him a top-six slot on the left wing beside David Krejci.
Source saying it came down to the Bruins, New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers.
Speculation that he may have passed on his hometown Bruins due to potential pressures playing at home. His friend and Bruin Jimmy Hayes was lambasted by media during his struggles last season. His family and friends would also have to deal with potential criticisms if he played at home.
GM Don Sweeney wasn’t able to land Vesey or acquire a top-four defenseman so far this offseason. They still have a hole on their left wing. Matt Beleskey is better suited for the third line. Frank Vatrano and/or Danton Heinen may be forced into a top-six role.