LW Jimmy Vesey (2012, 66th, NSH; 2016 UFA, NYR)

[bigdog16]

Real good read. Displays his loyalty and commitment (which would obviously be debunked if he parts ways with Nashville) Really though, many people don't see it from his point of view. What's wrong with a degree from the most prestigious school in America, while playing with his best friends at an acceptable level? He will be an NHL player regardless. In my opinion he is a better prospect than Hayes and Kreider both were at the same time. Putting up similar numbers as Hayes, but isn't on a line with Johnny Hockey and Billy Arnold, who's line had arguably the best chemistry in college hockey in the past decade. All around, dependable player who can score.

 

[nomorekids]

My take, and this is from reading a lot of text and subtext --

If Harvard's season ends early enough for him to burn a year of ELC by joining Nashville this season, that's what he'll do.

If not...I think he'll go UFA.

 

[93LEAFS]

My take, and this is from reading a lot of text and subtext --

If Harvard's season ends early enough for him to burn a year of ELC by joining Nashville this season, that's what he'll do.

If not...I think he'll go UFA.

Ummm, pretty sure his classes and exams don't end when the season does, and that seems to be a priority. So I doubt he signs in time to burn an ELC year.

 

[nomorekids]

Ummm, pretty sure his classes and exams don't end when the season does, and that seems to be a priority. So I doubt he signs in time to burn an ELC year.

He himself has stated that if the opportunity is right in Nashville when his season ends, he will sign. That's not uncommon...look at Chris Kreider for a high profile recent example. He can either finish the classes\exams remotely or he can do so this summer.

 

[93LEAFS]

He himself has stated that if the opportunity is right in Nashville when his season ends, he will sign. That's not uncommon...look at Chris Kreider for a high profile recent example. He can either finish the classes\exams remotely or he can do so this summer.

He also states his intention to graduate this spring.

 

[nomorekids]

He also states his intention to graduate this spring.

Which brings in the possibility of finishing up remotely. As stated, he wouldn't be the first, or even the first in a long time.

 

[93LEAFS]

Which brings in the possibility of finishing up remotely. As stated, he wouldn't be the first, or even the first in a long time.

Most examples of guys doing this are Jr's such as Krieder, Gaudreau, etc. I can't think of a high profile senior who has done this recently, guys like Rielly and Hayes both waited it out.

 

[BigGreenAlum]

Most examples of guys doing this are Jr's such as Krieder, Gaudreau, etc. I can't think of a high profile senior who has done this recently, guys like Rielly and Hayes both waited it out.

Mike Reilly was a junior. You obviously are not familiar with the college seniors signing pro deals after their seasons end. Tons each year do it, vast majority sign on with AHL, ECHL or even lower tier leagues. Some sign multi-year deals, some sign PTOs and they make arrangements with school/teachers to sort out classes while away. Check out CollegeHockeyInc website and you will be surprised at the number. http://collegehockeyinc.com/pro-signings this was from a few years ago but note signing dates - many before school ends. So this is very common for college seniors who want to play any level of pro.

 

[nomorekids]

Mike Reilly was a junior. You obviously are not familiar with the college seniors signing pro deals after their seasons end. Tons each year do it, vast majority sign on with AHL, ECHL or even lower tier leagues. Some sign multi-year deals, some sign PTOs and they make arrangements with school/teachers to sort out classes while away. Check out CollegeHockeyInc website and you will be surprised at the number. http://collegehockeyinc.com/pro-signings this was from a few years ago but note signing dates - many before school ends. So this is very common for college seniors who want to play any level of pro.

But those facts aren't as alluring as "His brother is our prospect, and his dad is a scout, so..."

 

[93LEAFS]

Mike Reilly was a junior. You obviously are not familiar with the college seniors signing pro deals after their seasons end. Tons each year do it, vast majority sign on with AHL, ECHL or even lower tier leagues. Some sign multi-year deals, some sign PTOs and they make arrangements with school/teachers to sort out classes while away. Check out CollegeHockeyInc website and you will be surprised at the number. http://collegehockeyinc.com/pro-signings this was from a few years ago but note signing dates - many before school ends. So this is very common for college seniors who want to play any level of pro.

Which big names have given up the opportunity in recent years to test the market? And there is a big difference between fringe guys like Casey Bailey and someone like Vesey. I'm not saying the leafs will get him, but I'd be shocked if he doesn't test the market, Schultz, Hayes, Reilly all did, and guys like Hyman and Jimmy Hayes pushed trades to sign with teams they preferred. The biggest name SR on that list who passed up FA was Killhorn, most were underclass men who did not have the FA option.

 

[BigGreenAlum]

Which big names have given up the opportunity in recent years to test the market? And there is a big difference between fringe guys like Casey Bailey and someone like Vesey. I'm not saying the leafs will get him, but I'd be shocked if he doesn't test the market, Schultz, Hayes, Reilly all did, and guys like Hyman and Jimmy Hayes pushed trades to sign with teams they preferred. The biggest name SR on that list who passed up FA was Killhorn, most were underclass men who did not have the FA option.

My point is if he wants to sign with the Preds he will do so immediately after his season is over like many seniors do for various pro levels. You mentioned he intends to graduate this spring and I was merely pointing that wanting to graduate on time in no way precludes him from signing on with the Preds. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors with interested NHL teams (drafted or FA's) can all play the "I'm not sure I am turning pro" card and use that as leverage in negotiations and delay signing until the summer. In addition, ome guys like Reilly and Wheeler who were FA eligible due to 4 year draft rule despite being juniors at school and wanted to get FA rights could avoid all the media dramatics by simply saying I am not sure if I am turning pro. Seniors can't because as soon as last game is played they are no longer beholden to NCAA rules. I fully agree that if he doesn't sign with the Preds as soon as Harvard's season is done, then he is probably going to wait until he can exercise FA rights this summer.

 

[Jersey Fresh]

My take, and this is from reading a lot of text and subtext --

If Harvard's season ends early enough for him to burn a year of ELC by joining Nashville this season, that's what he'll do.

If not...I think he'll go UFA.

Might just be the cynic in me, but I think that article was a long-winded way of saying, "I want to stay home and play hockey in Boston".

 

[Gnashville]

Ummm, pretty sure his classes and exams don't end when the season does, and that seems to be a priority. So I doubt he signs in time to burn an ELC year.

My understanding is he has already met the requirements for his degree before Christmas and is taking a few elective classes this semester. I know he is going UFA but the "I'll wait until graduation" excuse is not there. I was 95% sure he was signing with Toronto now he may be leaning toward Boston. I know he will never sign with Nashville in April. The College UFA rule has to be changed.

 

[BB88]

My understanding is he has already met the requirements for his degree before Christmas and is taking a few elective classes this semester. I know he is going UFA but the "I'll wait until graduation" excuse is not there. I was 95% sure he was signing with Toronto now he may be leaning toward Boston. I know he will never sign with Nashville in April. The College UFA rule has to be changed.

There are spots available in Boston if he wants to play there.

 

[kingsfan]

My understanding is he has already met the requirements for his degree before Christmas and is taking a few elective classes this semester. I know he is going UFA but the "I'll wait until graduation" excuse is not there. I was 95% sure he was signing with Toronto now he may be leaning toward Boston. I know he will never sign with Nashville in April. The College UFA rule has to be changed.

No, it really doesn't. College guys go UFA later than any other drafted player.

 

[93LEAFS]

No, it really doesn't. College guys go UFA later than any other drafted player.

Yeah, and can't re-enter the draft. No reason the rule needs to be changed. Hockey is the only league where drafted players rights stick with a team for this long.

 

[CapSpace]

Montreal should be all over this guy if he ever hits the market.

 

[GBLeaf]

Selfishly, I really hope he goes to FA and ends up a Leaf. But man, i'd feel bad for Nashville if that happens.

If they'd messed him about and only just began to show an interest in signing him, I think people would sympathise with Vesey more. But the Preds have wanted him for a long time, they'd have had him already if he was ready to leave college. Which is entirely cool that he wants his education. But I think the Preds should be owed a compensation pick if he was to leave.

 

[Zaddy]

That was a great read. Lots of respect for this kid.

 

[Cor]

On one hand, I'm excited at the prospect of adding Vesey to our depth of prospects in Toronto.

On the other, I've seen plenty of upperclass men come through and be nothing to talk about to be over the moon.

 

[kingsfan]

Selfishly, I really hope he goes to FA and ends up a Leaf. But man, i'd feel bad for Nashville if that happens.

If they'd messed him about and only just began to show an interest in signing him, I think people would sympathise with Vesey more. But the Preds have wanted him for a long time, they'd have had him already if he was ready to leave college. Which is entirely cool that he wants his education. But I think the Preds should be owed a compensation pick if he was to leave.

Why should they be owed anything? Because he operated within the CBA the same as the Preds did?

 

[alexmanu]

The rules should really be amended so the drafting team doesn't get shafted in cases like this.

 

[kingsfan]

The rules should really be amended so the drafting team doesn't get shafted in cases like this.

How exactly are they shafted?

 

[Mb0]

How exactly are they shafted?

Team B drafts player X at round Y.

Player X plays in the university and doesn't sign to an entry level contract for the team B that drafted him, even though they show desire to do so.

Player X finishes university and signs to a team Z, leaving team B:

A. Shafted
B. ???
C. ???

 

[93LEAFS]

Team B drafts player X at round Y.

Player X plays in the university and doesn't sign to an entry level contract for the team B that drafted him, even though they show desire to do so.

Player X finishes university and signs to a team Z, leaving team B:

A. Shafted
B. ???
C. ???

Pretty sure they get a comp pick, and it is also a known risk. Anytime you draft an NCAA bound player, you know this is a possibility. This is nowhere close to as bad as the Wheeler situation, where the Coyotes wasted a high pick.