New York Rangers Signing Jimmy Vesey Would Keep Window Open

The former Harvard forward would cause a domino effect if he decided to sign with the New York Rangers.

For the past couple of weeks, there has not been much–if any–talk in the realm of NHL free agency. Most teams have their NHL rosters pretty much set. There are still a few interesting free agents out there right now. Jiri Hudler, Matt Cullen, Kris Russell and Brandon Pirri are just some of the names of the intriguing players without a contract right now, but perhaps none is more intriguing than Harvard free-agent forward Jimmy Vesey.

After spurning the Nashville Predators, forcing them to trade his draft rights to the Buffalo Sabres before the 2016 NHL Draft, Vesey officially became an Unrestricted Free Agent on Monday morning.

Vesey, the Charleston Massachusetts native has started to meet with a list of interested teams as early as Tuesday. It is reported by Darren Dreger that he and his camp have met with the Pittsburgh Penguins already. ESPN reported Monday that at the top of Vesey’s list are the New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the New York Rangers.

Now one might ask, why would Vesey want to come to a team with such a crowded roster. Well, firstly, you have to remember, this is New York you are talking about. It is an electric atmosphere with a huge fanbase and crazy media coverage so that alone makes it an attractive landing spot for a young player.

Secondly, it isn’t too far away from Vesey’s family in Massachusetts, which is one of the main reasons he didn’t want to sign with the Predators to begin with, and why he reportedly turned down the Detroit Red Wings, who inquired about having a meeting.

Thirdly, and most importantly, Vesey and his camp believe that there are holes in the Rangers’ forward group that could allow Vesey to slot immediately. According to the New York Post, a representative of Vesey’s camp named Peter Fish stated that sentiment.

"“To be honest, it looks like there are a couple holes in their lineup that he could fit into. If it were one of those years where the Rangers were just stacked, from first line to third line, then maybe it would be different”"

I have said numerous times this offseason that I think the group of forwards that the New York Rangers will enter the season with this year is the best overall group they have had in years. Vesey may very well be good–why else would every team be drooling over him? But he would have to beat out some pretty good players to make the Rangers final roster, which I think he would do.

Vesey is good friends with Kevin Hayes, who hopefully could convince him to wear a Blueshirt.

It’s a deal for a player that the Rangers should do everything they can do to acquire because he could make more of a difference to the team than it may appear on the surface. Firstly, he would add lot’s more depth to the pool of prospects and younger players. It would give the Rangers another young, up-and-coming forward that they could boast in the future. Just take a look at this tweet by @HockeyStatMinor.

This is not only a fantastic roster to move forward with for the future, but it isn’t too shabby in the present either. In fact, a Vesey signing could be the beginning of another big roster shakeup, which would be made to improve the defense.

It is no secret that the New York Rangers’ defense is their biggest concern heading into the season, so if you do sign a like Vesey, maybe it makes you willing to move another young forward and flip him for a defenseman.

Whether that player be a Rick Nash or a Kevin Hayes-type player, or even a young forward in the system, if it could help the big club to make a move to improve the defense, or maybe even send one of Marc Staal or Dan Girardi out the door, than the Rangers need to be able to listen.

Next: Will the Rangers Add More Free Agents?

With Vesey signing with the Rangers, the team’s incredibly deep forward group would look nice, but the team would look a lot better as a whole if they decide to spread their assets out in other places as well. If the team wants to extend their window to win the cup, it is by reshaping their defense, because their offense would be set for this year and for in the future to be very good. Adding Vesey to the roster really helps you do that.