Jimmy Vesey chooses to sign with Rangers over Blackhawks

Share

The Jimmy Vesey sweepstakes are officially over as the coveted Harvard forward has chosen to sign a two-year, entry-level contract with the New York Rangers over the Blackhawks.

Vesey is a two-time Hobey Baker Award finalist and was named college hockey's top player last season after accumulating 46 points (24 goals and 22 assists) in 33 games.

While the scenarios slightly different, a similar occurrence happened in 2014 involving both the Blackhawks and Rangers when Kevin Hayes, Chicago's first-round pick in 2010, hit the free agent market after failing to come to an agreement with the Blackhawks. The Rangers came out on top as the team to sign the former Boston College standout Hayes.

[SHOP: Get your Blackhawks gear here]

Originally drafted by the Nashville Predators with the No. 66 overall pick in the 2012 NHL Draft, Vesey's negotiating rights were traded to the Buffalo Sabres in June after he informed the Predators he wasn't interested in signing with the team.

Vesey turned down the opportunity to play for his hometown Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, where his father Jim works as a scout and brother Nolan was drafted in 2014.

The Blackhawks were reportedly among the top-two finalists, but Vesey ultimately elected to sign in the Big Apple.

Contact Us