Remember when Harvard forward and 2015-16 Hobey Baker Award winner Jimmy Vesey decided against signing with the Nashville Predators — the team that drafted him in 2012 — and was subsequently traded to the Buffalo Sabres in June?
Well, his free-agent decision is coming soon.
The Sabres only acquired Vesey’s rights when they traded for him, and he will become an unrestricted free agent Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. ET if Buffalo fails to sign him. He’s expected to become a UFA, although TSN’s Ryan Rishaug reported the Sabres are “still very much in the mix.”
Money shouldn’t factor much in this process because Vesey can only sign an entry-level contract regardless of which team he joins.
The major factors probably will be his role, team culture and ice time. Several teams that could offer Vesey a top-six role and lots of ice time, despite the fact he hasn’t played a minute of professional hockey.
Geography could come into play as well. Vesey’s Massachusetts upbringing and time at Harvard have fueled speculation that the Boston Bruins could be among the teams in the mix to sign him. His father works for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who also drafted his brother.
All of this makes the northeast teams possible landing spots.
The Chicago Blackhawks also appear to be in the running. General manager Stan Bowman has watched Vesey play in Massachusetts this summer. Chicago can offer Vesey a chance to play for a Stanley Cup right away, something few teams can match.
One thing we do know is when Vesey becomes a free agent, barring a deal with the Sabres, many teams will be giving him a call.
Thumbnail photo via YouTube/HarvardAthletics
