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

[AmericanDream]

Well, if they do sign Vesey, it will at least eliminate the chance that Ladd gets re-signed by them.

regardless of the Hawks getting Vesey or not, Ladd will not be back unless something drastic happens like the Hawks moving Crawford or Seabrook. We can't afford Ladd especially now signing Kruger to $3mil a year.

Dave Starman who is one of the most knowledgeable NCAA guys out there also discussed Vesey and said he sees Jimmy going to one of these three teams : Chicago, Boston, or Toronto.

He did not mention Nashville and said that ship has likely sailed. He also doesn't think Toronto has a legit shot because despite his dad as a scout (a minor scout who can get fired at any time, this isn't an owner/executive like Mike Reilly's dad and the Wild) and his brother in the system, he doesn't see Vesey going into that much pressure of the media and having to produce and be a top guy right away. Toronto is an option for obvious reasons family wise, but playing up North doesn't seem logical for the Boston native.

So Dave thinks it comes down to Boston and Chicago and I agree. This is all speculation but understand these players have advisors and family members who talk. Bowman has been one of the most proactive college recruiters out there either through the draft or signing NCAA UFA's like Trevor VanRiemsdyk, Kyle Baun, Tanner Kero, Matt Carey, Kevin LaBanc, etc, etc...

The Hawks organization has in the pipeline plenty of buddies of Vesey like Tyler Motte, John Hayden, Vince Hinostroza, etc.

It is up to Vesey where to sign, staying at home and playing for Boston is obviously a top choice, but the pedigree of the Hawks, the opportunity to play with hall of famers, and an instant #1 LW spot might be too hard to pass on. Interesting enough in another thread is Frankie Vatrano who the B's need to get into their lineup full-time still, not sure where Vesey can fit in right away to be honest but I am sure they can/will make room to land him.

Sorry Nashville, we got Kevin Hayes'd as well, it sucks to lose a player like this but I seriously doubt there is any chance he stays with the Preds. If I am wrong I will happily eat crow along with plenty of others.

 

[bob27]

If Eriksson doesn't sign, surely Bruins would give him a chance on Krejci's wing. Hell, they might do it even if he does sign since Eriksson plays both wings and is often used to babysit Spooner 5on5.

 

[Gutchecktime]

regardless of the Hawks getting Vesey or not, Ladd will not be back unless something drastic happens like the Hawks moving Crawford or Seabrook. We can't afford Ladd especially now signing Kruger to $3mil a year.

Dave Starman who is one of the most knowledgeable NCAA guys out there also discussed Vesey and said he sees Jimmy going to one of these three teams : Chicago, Boston, or Toronto.

He did not mention Nashville and said that ship has likely sailed. He also doesn't think Toronto has a legit shot because despite his dad as a scout (a minor scout who can get fired at any time, this isn't an owner/executive like Mike Reilly's dad and the Wild) and his brother in the system, he doesn't see Vesey going into that much pressure of the media and having to produce and be a top guy right away. Toronto is an option for obvious reasons family wise, but playing up North doesn't seem logical for the Boston native.

So Dave thinks it comes down to Boston and Chicago and I agree. This is all speculation but understand these players have advisors and family members who talk. Bowman has been one of the most proactive college recruiters out there either through the draft or signing NCAA UFA's like Trevor VanRiemsdyk, Kyle Baun, Tanner Kero, Matt Carey, Kevin LaBanc, etc, etc...

The Hawks organization has in the pipeline plenty of buddies of Vesey like Tyler Motte, John Hayden, Vince Hinostroza, etc.

It is up to Vesey where to sign, staying at home and playing for Boston is obviously a top choice, but the pedigree of the Hawks, the opportunity to play with hall of famers, and an instant #1 LW spot might be too hard to pass on. Interesting enough in another thread is Frankie Vatrano who the B's need to get into their lineup full-time still, not sure where Vesey can fit in right away to be honest but I am sure they can/will make room to land him.

Sorry Nashville, we got Kevin Hayes'd as well, it sucks to lose a player like this but I seriously doubt there is any chance he stays with the Preds. If I am wrong I will happily eat crow along with plenty of others.

Weird. I can't say whether or not this player might be interested in coming to Toronto at all but to talk about pressure? In Toronto? Right now? There isn't much.

 

[FazeLeaf*]

The 4 games I watched of him he does Jack ****, maybe its better if he doesnt come to the Leafs because apparently he only plays well when I dont watch him.

 

[Anth93]

He did not mention Nashville and said that ship has likely sailed. He also doesn't think Toronto has a legit shot because despite his dad as a scout (a minor scout who can get fired at any time, this isn't an owner/executive like Mike Reilly's dad and the Wild) and his brother in the system, he doesn't see Vesey going into that much pressure of the media and having to produce and be a top guy right away. Toronto is an option for obvious reasons family wise, but playing up North doesn't seem logical for the Boston native.

The Hawks organization has in the pipeline plenty of buddies of Vesey like Tyler Motte, John Hayden, Vince Hinostroza, etc.

I understand trying to look deep into these types of things, and I do believe that the allure of the Blackhawks is too good to pass up.. But it's way too easy for you to dismiss the Leafs for the "pressure". His immediate family is literally Blue & White.

 

[Woodhouse]

Vesey scored twice last night in front of the NSH scouts: https://youtu.be/2AmIK3B3LIU?t=1m8s

 

[nomorekids]

Didnt the Blue Jackets move Wiznewski to open up a spot because they thought that Reilly would replace him? I think Poile is just trying to show Vesey that they want him and are prepared to put him in the lineup. That doenst mean he will sign. Why hasnt anyone brought up the Hawks when talking about Vesey destinations? They need a 1LW in the offseason unless they can get Ladd on a cheape deal. Vesey will be on an ELC and would join a top 3 team right away.

The difference in Reilly and Vesey would be the ability to burn a year off his ELC by playing this year, and put himself only a year away from a contract not bound by the restrictions of an ELC. Nashville will make the playoffs and have a bigger window to get Vesey into games than CBJ had with Reilly. That's the trump card that Nashville has above all else.

 

[nomorekids]

Vesey scored twice last night in front of the NSH scouts: https://youtu.be/2AmIK3B3LIU?t=1m8s

Probably trying to get the book on him so they can shut him down when he inevitably signs with Chicago

 

[Man Bear Pig]

Vesey scored twice last night in front of the NSH scouts: https://youtu.be/2AmIK3B3LIU?t=1m8s

Seems weird that they'd scout him given they probably already know everything about the kid.

 

[TheGroceryStick]

Seems weird that they'd scout him given they probably already know everything about the kid.

Was thinking the same thing. Who scouts a player that your team has already scouted/drafted?
Maybe they just wanted all the Preds support in the barn to prove that they really 'want him'.
Doubt they need to 'scout' the player and decide if he as improved enough for a contract.

 

[nomorekids]

Was thinking the same thing. Who scouts a player that your team has already scouted/drafted?
Maybe they just wanted all the Preds support in the barn to prove that they really 'want him'.
Doubt they need to 'scout' the player and decide if he as improved enough for a contract.

I get it...if they are planning on having him in the lineup in the near future, they likely want to get a report to the Predators coaching staff to let them know their perceived strengths\weaknesses.

 

[Estlin]

I read that Sr. Vesey works out of BOS, the same place where the rest of his family lives, the same place he went to college, the same place he grew up, the same place his friends live, the same place the team he's rooted for since he could tie skates resides.

This is not the vet-heavy 2013 Bruins who were in middle of a self-perceived Cup window that squeezed kids out of lineup. This is a team that is giving real minutes to young talented players unlike ever before under Julien.

Why anyone would not pick BOS as a heavy favorite (sorry TO) if Vesey goes UFA is beyond me. It's so stacked in his favor it's hard to argue otherwise beyond wistful thinking.

Thank you for pointing this out. I don't know why more people don't consider Boston one of the favourites to land Vesey. The one stumbling block is that Boston is deep at LW with Eriksson, Marchand and Beleskey. However, Eriksson may walk at season's end. Still, there are promising LW prospects in juniors, including Vatrano and Debrusk.

If Eriksson doesn't sign, surely Bruins would give him a chance on Krejci's wing. Hell, they might do it even if he does sign since Eriksson plays both wings and is often used to babysit Spooner 5on5.

Possibly, but I don't know if a first line of Vesey-Krejci-Pastrnak would fly with Julien coaching.

 

[617Marine]

Seems weird that they'd scout him given they probably already know everything about the kid.

Was thinking the same thing. Who scouts a player that your team has already scouted/drafted?
Maybe they just wanted all the Preds support in the barn to prove that they really 'want him'.
Doubt they need to 'scout' the player and decide if he as improved enough for a contract.

Bruins sent their director of player development to check on one of their picks a couple weeks ago, Sweeney did the same thing like a month back. It's probably not that uncommon for teams to check in on their investment, view him with their own eyes, and (pure speculation from me) remind him they care. You can send all the emails and make as many phone calls as you want, but nothing tops a face-to-face.

 

[CorgisPer60]

Kevin Cheveldayoff, the GM of the Jets, was personally on hand this past weekend to check out Kyle Connor's game. It's not unheard of to have a GM check on their investment.

 

[617Marine]

Bruins sent their director of player development to check on one of their picks a couple weeks ago, Sweeney did the same thing like a month back. It's probably not that uncommon for teams to check in on their investment, view him with their own eyes, and (pure speculation from me) remind him they care. You can send all the emails and make as many phone calls as you want, but nothing tops a face-to-face.

Kevin Cheveldayoff, the GM of the Jets, was personally on hand this past weekend to check out Kyle Connor's game. It's not unheard of to have a GM check on their investment.

Great minds think alike.

 

[TheGroceryStick]

I get it...if they are planning on having him in the lineup in the near future, they likely want to get a report to the Predators coaching staff to let them know their perceived strengths\weaknesses.

Makes sense.
--
I get the 'taking a look, seeing your investment' The above makes sense, if they are looking to spot him in right away. It just came across as 'odd' at first when seeing a bunch of scouts looking at a player that is nearing on UFA - when he's been in their org. for quite some time.

 

[kingsfan]

Weird. I can't say whether or not this player might be interested in coming to Toronto at all but to talk about pressure? In Toronto? Right now? There isn't much.

There's always pressure in Toronto whenever you hit the ice. There's pressure on the blue Timbits players during intermission even.

Seems weird that they'd scout him given they probably already know everything about the kid.

Was thinking the same thing. Who scouts a player that your team has already scouted/drafted?
Maybe they just wanted all the Preds support in the barn to prove that they really 'want him'.
Doubt they need to 'scout' the player and decide if he as improved enough for a contract.

You always scout your own players, likely more than any other actually. You don't just pick a kid and say see ya in the NHL. And yes, scouting to see if a kid is contract worthy is definitely one of the reasons, one of the bigger reasons in fact.

 

[buttman*]

regardless of the Hawks getting Vesey or not, Ladd will not be back unless something drastic happens like the Hawks moving Crawford or Seabrook. We can't afford Ladd especially now signing Kruger to $3mil a year.

Dave Starman who is one of the most knowledgeable NCAA guys out there also discussed Vesey and said he sees Jimmy going to one of these three teams : Chicago, Boston, or Toronto.

He did not mention Nashville and said that ship has likely sailed. He also doesn't think Toronto has a legit shot because despite his dad as a scout (a minor scout who can get fired at any time, this isn't an owner/executive like Mike Reilly's dad and the Wild) and his brother in the system, he doesn't see Vesey going into that much pressure of the media and having to produce and be a top guy right away. Toronto is an option for obvious reasons family wise, but playing up North doesn't seem logical for the Boston native.

So Dave thinks it comes down to Boston and Chicago and I agree. This is all speculation but understand these players have advisors and family members who talk. Bowman has been one of the most proactive college recruiters out there either through the draft or signing NCAA UFA's like Trevor VanRiemsdyk, Kyle Baun, Tanner Kero, Matt Carey, Kevin LaBanc, etc, etc...

The Hawks organization has in the pipeline plenty of buddies of Vesey like Tyler Motte, John Hayden, Vince Hinostroza, etc.

It is up to Vesey where to sign, staying at home and playing for Boston is obviously a top choice, but the pedigree of the Hawks, the opportunity to play with hall of famers, and an instant #1 LW spot might be too hard to pass on. Interesting enough in another thread is Frankie Vatrano who the B's need to get into their lineup full-time still, not sure where Vesey can fit in right away to be honest but I am sure they can/will make room to land him.

Sorry Nashville, we got Kevin Hayes'd as well, it sucks to lose a player like this but I seriously doubt there is any chance he stays with the Preds. If I am wrong I will happily eat crow along with plenty of others.

His Dad is going to get a big raise when he signs in Toronto. Maybe a promotion too. Heck maybe even little brother will get an ELC.

 

[Kamal007]

Lou going to make an offer that the Vesey family can't refuse

In reality, looking like he may stick around in Nashville.

 

[Captain Clutch]

Lou going to make an offer that the Vesey family can't refuse

In reality, looking like he may stick around in Nashville.

This. There is an awful lot of speculation here based on very very little of any substance. I have no horse in the race but I would bet he is much likelier to show up in Nashville than anywhere else.

 

[Albus Dumbledore]

How good is this kid supposed to be?
I've heard hes a cut above zach hyman who looks to be a good 3rd liner, does he have top 6 potential?

 

[stavs*]

How good is this kid supposed to be?
I've heard hes a cut above zach hyman who looks to be a good 3rd liner, does he have top 6 potential?

2nd liner

 

[Morgs]

How good is this kid supposed to be?
I've heard hes a cut above zach hyman who looks to be a good 3rd liner, does he have top 6 potential?

Definitely top 6 potential.

 

[Sebastian Svechnikov]

How tall is Jimmy? elite prospects and most other sources list him at 6'1 but Harvard lists him at 6'3

 

[Woodhouse]

Quit hijacking the conversation into which UFA destination is best for Vesey. This is your last warning. Go to your roster threads on your home forums or the trade forum to speculate. He's Nashville property until proven otherwise after Harvard's season closes.

***

Via CHN, One Last Go: Vesey Making the Most of Senior Year:

The Nashville Predators' personnel men, Paul Fenton and Scott Nichol, seemed giddy as they skipped about the rink watching their prized draft pick in the closing stages of his college career. Despite being blanketed all night by the grinders from Rensselaer, Vesey was having his signature impact on the game: a seeing-eye pass to freshman defenseman Viktor Dombrovskiy tied the game late in the first, and an unexpected wrist shot from the far hash marks early in the third gave the Crimson an insurmountable 5-2 lead.

Then the music screeched to a halt. Play had stopped, and there was Vesey face down at center ice writhing in pain, leveled by a high hit.

Two shifts later, Vesey was back on the ice and caught the RPI defensemen cheating in. He stole the puck in neutral ice and streaked in alone on freshman goalie Cam Hackett; it was a decided mismatch. Faking the shot, Vesey deftly went backhand at full speed, causing Hacket to drive across the crease, opening his legs. With surgical timing, Vesey tucked it in, 5-hole. 6-2 Harvard, game-set and match.

It was an NHL caliber play that had the opposing coach gushing.

“Did he take over the third, I don’t know,†said RPI’s Seth Appert in the post game. “But I do believe that he is the best player in college hockey and I voted for him for the Hobey Baker Award.â€

Donato has witnessed his star play the entire season with a bullseye on his back.

“He’s taken a lot of big hits and slashes behind the leg and plays that were on the edge," Donato said. "But he’s found a way to stay in the game and not be chasing guys to the penalty box. I think the two goals there is a huge difference maker, and a guy that doesn’t need a lot of chances to find the back of the net. I think Jimmy’s run here has been so gret.â€