Jimmy Vesey

This article is about the current ice hockey player. For his father, the former player, see Jim Vesey.

Jimmy Vesey
Vesey in 2016
Born	(1993-05-26) May 26, 1993 (age 31) Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Height	6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight	207 lb (94 kg; 14 st 11 lb)
Position	Left wing
Shoots	Left
NHL team Former teams	New York Rangers Buffalo Sabres Toronto Maple Leafs Vancouver Canucks New Jersey Devils
National team	United States
NHL draft	66th overall, 2012 Nashville Predators
Playing career	2016–present

James Michael Vesey (born May 26, 1993) is an American professional ice hockey left winger for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Nashville Predators in the third round, 66th overall, of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Vesey attended Harvard and won the Hobey Baker Award in 2016. In 2016 he signed as a free-agent with the New York Rangers with whom he played 3 seasons, before playing the next 3 seasons for the Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and New Jersey Devils. He re-signed with the Rangers in 2022.

Playing career

College

Vesey played four years with Harvard University in the NCAA. The North Reading, Massachusetts native finished his collegiate career with 144 points (80 goals, 64 assists) in 128 games and was named ECAC Player of the Year after the 2014–15 season.^[1]

In his junior year, Vesey's outstanding play was rewarded with a top-ten nomination for the Hobey Baker Award.^[2] On April 2, 2015, Vesey was named to the Hobey Hat Trick, the 3 finalists for the award, along with University of North Dakota's Zane McIntyre and Boston University's Jack Eichel, with Eichel going on to win the award.^[3] In 2016, Vesey once again qualified for the Hobey Hat Trick, along with Michigan Wolverine's Kyle Connor and Boston College's Thatcher Demko, this time going on to win the Hobey Baker Award on April 8, 2016.^[4]

Professional

Vesey was selected by the Nashville Predators in the 3rd round with the 66th overall selection of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Vesey was good enough for Nashville general manager David Poile to guarantee the senior a roster spot for the end of the 2015–16 regular season and playoffs. But Vesey informed the Predators he was not interested in signing. Vesey wanted to choose his destination, which any collegian can do four years out from when they are drafted.^[5]

Vesey's decision came as a blow to the Predators' organization. However, it was also within the bounds of the NHL's Collective Bargaining Agreement, which gives teams four years to sign college draftees and thus allows for the drafted player to move to free agency shortly after his senior year.^[6] On March 30, 2016, almost five months before he was officially set to become a free agent, it was reported that Vesey would sign with his hometown team, the Boston Bruins.^[7] However, these reports did not end up being true.

On June 20, 2016, the Buffalo Sabres acquired Vesey's rights from the Predators in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.^[1] The deal was made in order to give the Sabres an extra few weeks of exclusive negotiating rights with Vesey before he became a free agent. Despite this, Vesey's agent informed ESPN that he had still intended to become a free agent.^[8] While discussions with the Sabres continued, a deal was not struck and in accordance with the NHL CBA, Vesey became an unrestricted free agent on August 16.^[9][10]

In the two days following his free agency, Vesey met with seven NHL teams.^[10][11] Five more teams requested to meet with Vesey, but were denied.^{[a][12][13][14]}

New York Rangers (2016–2019)

On August 20, 2016, Vesey signed with the New York Rangers.^[15] After attending the training camp, Vesey received the Lars-Erik Sjöberg Award, which is given to the best Rangers' rookie in the camp.^[16] On October 17, 2016, Vesey scored his first NHL goal in a 7–4 win over the San Jose Sharks.^[17][18]

On November 8, 2017, in a game against the Boston Bruins, Vesey scored 2 goals in 29 seconds. This was the quickest number of goals scored by a Rangers player since Jaromír Jágr did so in 26 seconds in 2006.^[19] The Rangers eventually won the game 4–2.^[19] On March 12, 2018, Vesey recorded his first career NHL hat trick in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes, which the Rangers won 6–3.^[20]

Buffalo Sabres (2019–2020)

On July 1, 2019, the Sabres again acquired Vesey in exchange for another third-round draft selection through a trade with the Rangers. This marks the first time in professional sports that a player was traded to the same team with the same compensation twice.^[21] In the 2019–20 season, Vesey was unable to add the offensive punch expected for the Sabres, posting a career low 9 goals and 20 points in 64 games, before the remainder of the regular season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks (2020–2021)

As a free agent from the Sabres, Vesey was signed to a one-year, $900,000 contract by the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 11, 2020.^[22] In the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season, Vesey initially appeared for the Maple Leafs on the second line with John Tavares and William Nylander before shifting into in a bottom-six forward role, contributing with 5 goals and 7 points through 30 games.

On March 17, 2021, Vesey was claimed off waivers from Toronto by the Vancouver Canucks, marking his fourth NHL club in three seasons.^[23][24] Vesey made 20 regular season appearances with the Canucks, collecting 3 assists, as the team missed out on the playoffs.

New Jersey Devils (2021–2022)

As a free agent from the Canucks, on September 14, 2021, Vesey was signed to a professional tryout contract (PTO) by the New Jersey Devils.^[25] On October 10, 2021, Vesey signed a one-year, $800,000 contract by the Devils, which marked his fifth NHL club in four seasons.^[26] Vesey played 68 games with the Devils, with eight goals.

Return to Rangers (2022–present)

Vesey hitting Adam Larsson of the Seattle Kraken in 2023.

After going unsigned in free agency, Vesey agreed to terms with the Rangers on September 2, 2022. He signed a tryout contract, with the Rangers intending to use him as a defensive forward on their fourth line.^[27] On October 9, the Rangers signed Vesey to a one-year contract.^[28][29] On January 4, 2023, he signed a contract extension to stay with the Rangers for another two years.^[30][31]

International play

Medal record
Representing  United States
Ice hockey
World Championships
	2015 Czech Republic
World Junior Championships
	2013 Russia

Vesey won a gold medal while playing for the U.S. national junior team at the 2013 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship and took home a bronze medal as part of senior team at the 2015 IIHF World Championship.^[1]

Personal life

His father, Jim Vesey, was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the eighth round of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft, going on to play 15 games in the National Hockey League; he works as a scout for the Toronto Maple Leafs.^[32]

Jimmy's younger brother Nolan was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.^[32] He was traded in June 2018 to the Edmonton Oilers and signed an entry-level contract with them.^[33]

Growing up, Vesey was friends with 2012 NHL Entry Draft pick Matt Grzelcyk. The two first met when they were around the age of six, playing hockey together for a team named the Middlesex Islanders. The Islanders were coached by Vesey's father.^[34] They similarly both attended the Belmont Hill School in Belmont, Massachusetts, and played hockey together there.^[35]

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

				Regular season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2009–10	Belmont Hill School	HS-Prep		30	13	17	30			—	—	—	—	—
2010–11	Belmont Hill School	HS-Prep		32	23	12	35	30		—	—	—	—	—
2011–12	South Shore Kings	EJHL		45	48	43	91	52		6	5	3	8	2
2012–13	Harvard University	ECAC		27	11	7	18	25		—	—	—	—	—
2013–14	Harvard University	ECAC		31	13	9	22	14		—	—	—	—	—
2014–15	Harvard University	ECAC		37	32	26	58	21		—	—	—	—	—
2015–16	Harvard University	ECAC		33	24	22	46	6		—	—	—	—	—
2016–17	New York Rangers	NHL		80	16	11	27	26		12	1	4	5	9
2017–18	New York Rangers	NHL		79	17	11	28	20		—	—	—	—	—
2018–19	New York Rangers	NHL		81	17	18	35	21		—	—	—	—	—
2019–20	Buffalo Sabres	NHL		64	9	11	20	15		—	—	—	—	—
2020–21	Toronto Maple Leafs	NHL		30	5	2	7	4		—	—	—	—	—
2020–21	Vancouver Canucks	NHL		20	0	3	3	6		—	—	—	—	—
2021–22	New Jersey Devils	NHL		68	8	7	15	12		—	—	—	—	—
2022–23	New York Rangers	NHL		81	11	14	25	20		7	0	1	1	10
2023–24	New York Rangers	NHL		80	13	13	26	20		12	1	2	3	2
NHL totals				583	96	90	186	144		31	2	7	9	21

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2013	United States	WJC			7	1	4	5	2
2015	United States	WC			9	0	3	3	0
Junior totals					7	1	4	5	2
Senior totals					9	0	3	3	0

Awards and honors

Award	Year
College
All-ECAC Hockey Rookie Team	2012–13
Hobey Baker Award top ten finalist	2014–15	[2]
ECAC Player of the Year	2014–15	[36]
All-ECAC First Team	2014–15	[36]
ECAC Player of the Year	2015–16	[37]
All-ECAC First Team	2015–16	[37]
Hobey Baker Award winner	2015–16	[38]

Notes

1. The seven teams Vesey granted meetings to were the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The five teams Vesey denied meetings to were the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers.

References

1. "SABRES ACQUIRE RIGHTS TO VESEY". sabres.nhl.com. June 20, 2016. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
2. "Ciampini & Vesey Among Hobey Baker Memorial Award Top Ten Finalists". ECAC Hockey. March 19, 2015. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
3. "2015 3 Finalists announced". Hobey Baker Award. April 2, 2015. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
4. Lambert, Ryan (April 8, 2016). "Harvard's Jimmy Vesey wins 2016 Hobey Baker Award". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
5. Shinzawa, Fluto (May 14, 2016). "NHL prospect Jimmy Vesey has practiced patience". The Boston Globe. Retrieved June 27, 2016.
6. Peters, Chris (March 29, 2016). "Report: Top prospect Jimmy Vesey picks free agency over Predators". CBSSports.com. Retrieved June 27, 2016.
7. "Report: Jimmy Vesey to sign with Bruins as UFA".
8. Clinton, Jared (June 21, 2016). "Vesey's agent says NCAA standout plans to become free agent despite trade to Sabres". The Hockey News. Retrieved August 18, 2016.
9. Muir, Allan (August 15, 2016). "Big decision looming for prized free-agent Jimmy Vesey". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved August 18, 2016.
10. Walker, Mollie (February 1, 2023). "Jimmy Vesey has found home on Broadway after rough first stint with Rangers". New York Post. Retrieved February 4, 2023.
11. Clinton, Jared (August 18, 2016). "Vesey met with seven teams, discussing options Thursday — what can each team offer?". The Hockey News. Archived from the original on September 2, 2016. Retrieved August 18, 2016.
12. Ryan, Chris (August 17, 2016). "Jimmy Vesey meeting with final contenders Wednesday, reports say". NJ.com. Retrieved August 18, 2016.
13. "Jimmy Vesey wants to play close to home: report". National Hockey League. August 16, 2016. Retrieved August 18, 2016.
14. "Rangers celebrity fans making pitches to Jimmy Vesey". National Hockey League. August 17, 2016. Retrieved August 18, 2016.
15. "Rangers Agree to Terms With Jimmy Vesey". NHL.com. August 20, 2016. Retrieved October 12, 2016.
16. "Jimmy Vesey Named Winner of Lars-Erik Sjoberg Award". NHL.com. October 6, 2016. Retrieved October 12, 2016.
17. Rosen, Dan (October 18, 2016). "Jimmy Vesey scores first NHL goal". NHL.com. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
18. Cyrgalis, Brett (October 18, 2016). "Rangers rookie Jimmy Vesey soaks up 'pure joy' of first goal". New York Post. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
19. "Quick-strike ability of Vesey highlights Rangers win". NHL.com. November 9, 2017. Retrieved November 10, 2017.
20. Rosen, Dan (March 12, 2018). "Vesey's hat trick lifts Rangers past Hurricanes". NHL.com. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
21. "Sabres acquire Vesey from Rangers". Buffalo Sabres. July 1, 2019. Retrieved July 1, 2019.
22. "Maple Leafs sign Jimmy Vesey". Toronto Maple Leafs. October 11, 2020. Retrieved October 11, 2020.
23. "Canucks Claim Forward Jimmy Vesey Off Waivers". NHL.com. March 17, 2021. Retrieved March 29, 2021.
24. "Canucks claim Vesey from Maple Leafs, Senators nab Forsberg from Jets". The Sports Network. March 17, 2021. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
25. "Devils Sign Three Players to Professional Tryout Contracts". NHL.com. September 14, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
26. "New Jersey Devils Sign Jimmy Vesey". Pro Hockey Rumors. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
27. Brooks, Larry (September 26, 2022). "Jimmy Vesey reinvented himself for second Rangers act after 'miserable' career turn". New York Post. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
28. "Rangers Agree to Terms with Jimmy Vesey". NHL.com. October 9, 2022. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
29. Walker, Mollie (October 9, 2022). "Rangers sign Jimmy Vesey to cement his Broadway return". New York Post. Retrieved October 12, 2022.
30. "Rangers Agree to Terms with Jimmy Vesey on Two-Year Extension". NHL.com. January 4, 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
31. Kaplan, Emily (January 4, 2023). "Rangers sign Jimmy Vesey to 2-year extension through 2024-25". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
32. Fox, Luke (March 30, 2016). "Report: Jimmy Vesey will sign with Boston Bruins". SportsNet.ca. Retrieved June 27, 2016.
33. "Oilers acquire prospect Nolan Vesey in trade with Leafs". CBC.ca. June 8, 2018. Retrieved June 16, 2018.
34. Prewitt, Alex (November 27, 2015). "Prospects and pals, Matt Grzelcyk and Jimmy Vesey make NHL wait". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 21, 2017.
35. Rayan, Connor (October 9, 2014). "Reenergized Grzelcyk embraces captaincy with Terriers". The Daily Free Press. Retrieved November 5, 2018. After playing high school hockey with Vesey at Belmont Hill School in Belmont, Grzelcyk, just 16 years old at the time, made the move out to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to join the USA Hockey National Team Development Program
36. "2014-15 Men's awards". ECAC Hockey. April 15, 2015. Archived from the original on March 23, 2015. Retrieved April 15, 2015.
37. "Harvard, Quinnipiac, Yale bag top ECAC Hockey postseason honors". ECAC Hockey. March 18, 2016.
38. "2016 Winner". www.hobeybaker.com. Retrieved October 18, 2016.

External links

• Biographical information and career statistics from NHL.com, or Eliteprospects.com, or Eurohockey.com, or Hockey-Reference.com, or The Internet Hockey Database

Awards and achievements
Preceded by Jack Eichel	Hobey Baker Award 2015–16	Succeeded by Will Butcher
Preceded by Greg Carey/Shayne Gostisbehere	ECAC Hockey Player of the Year 2014–15, 2015–16	Succeeded by Mike Vecchione
Preceded by Daniel Carr	ECAC Hockey Tournament MOP 2015	Succeeded by Connor Clifton