Jimmy Vesey-
This signing is nearly identical to the signing of Kevin Hayes. Both give the Rangers a future to be excited about. Vesey was selected 66th overall in the third round by the Nashville Predators in the 2012 NHL Draft.
Vesey continued to play college hockey for Harvard, winning the Hobey Baker Award in 2016. In June of 2016, Vesey’s rights were traded to the Buffalo Sabres after Vesey told the Predators he had no interest of signing with them.
The Sabres had no luck as well, and Vesey’s agent made it clear he intended to become a free agent. In August of 2016, Vesey chose the Rangers as his free agent destination.
How is this one of the five best despite only playing one season? Vesey finished the season with just 27 points.
Signing Vesey shows that the Rangers are emphasizing a need to build upon a young core of players, and add young talent at whatever cost. Speaking of cost, the Rangers were able to add the skilled Vesey for two years, $925,000 per.
Next: Drafting strategies to fix up the farm system
After all, adding a 24 year old forward who was the best college hockey player just last year is a great start.