New York Rangers must not make Jimmy Vesey untouchable

As the New York Rangers search for a top six center, teams will continue to ask for some of the top prospects in the NHL. Jimmy Vesey must not be among the untouchable names.

Last season, I made it abundantly clear that my opinion was that the New York Rangers should not have traded Jimmy Vesey under any circumstances. It was an unfortunate truth, as Vesey’s value was never higher. Considering the Rangers just snagged him away from other teams chomping at the bits to sign him, his value had him pegged as a player much better than he was.

However, the optics were terrible, and let’s not forget Jimmy Vesey is a good hockey player. Normally I opt not to use the word good, but that’s the best word to describe him. He isn’t anything special, but he isn’t someone you can replace with any player from the roster. He’s good.

Now, the New York Rangers are desperately looking for a top six center, and rightfully so. New York has botched the search thus far, and one must wonder if teams are asking for the likes of Vesey, Brady Skjei, or other NHL players. While Brady Skjei should be untouchable, I no longer believe Vesey should be off the table in trade discussions.

In fact, while Vesey is a talented player, his value may be highest to the Rangers in a potential trade. Let’s take a look.

Vesey’s Play

Alain Vigneault has not known what to do with Jimmy Vesey this season. Vesey started the season on the fourth line, playing some penalty-killing minutes as well. Vigneault then moved Vesey up to the third line, moving him from the penalty-kill to the power-play. That should help his overall performance.

However poorly Vigneault handles Vesey, there are some problems with Vesey’s game. Take a look at this HERO chart showing Vesey’s talent next to Adam Cracknell, a player just claimed off of waivers.

Yes, that’s recently plucked off of waivers Adam Cracknell performing at a similar rate to top prospect Jimmy Vesey.

Now this is not meant as a criticism of Vesey, who contributed heavily to the power-play last season. Vesey did not place the expectations of a top prospect on himself, but rather dealt with them as a consequence of his being a free agent following winning the Hobey Baker Award in college.

The big name reputation placed unrealistic expectations on Vesey last season. A preseason article by TSN’s Scott Cullen displayed that Vesey shouldn’t have been expected to score more than approximately 30 points. Vesey’s struggles towards the end of the season made sense considering it was his longest season yet.

The Timing

One of the primary reasons cited in arguments not to trade Jimmy Vesey last season was how recently the New York Rangers signed the prized free agent. Trading Vesey so soon after signing him would have sent an awful message to future college free agents considering signing with the club.

While that’s a logical argument, it’s now over a year since Vesey signed with the Rangers. Players sign with teams only to find out it was not a perfect fit all the time. When there’s no no-trade clause, players are liable to be traded at any point without warning.

If players cannot accept that, they won’t last long in the league anyway. While some agents may frown upon the arrangement, Jeff Gorton would certainly do his due diligence before making any such move. If Gorton sees people will understand his transaction, he should act accordingly.

The Verdict

Let me make this clear first: I am not suggesting the Rangers put Jimmy Vesey on the trade block.

What I am suggesting, however, is that they consider trading him if he’s a piece that can get a big deal done. Vesey will likely top out at 45-50 points in the NHL, with the potential for more if he grows in the right system. While that still adds up to a terrific piece, it does not push the needle enough to make him untouchable.

The Rangers need a center far more than they need a winger, and if the Colorado Avalanche come calling for Vesey in a Matt Duchene trade, the Rangers would be foolish to say no on account of Vesey.

Additionally, the timing aspect is now overblown. While the optics are still less than ideal, enough time has passed where Vesey is someone the Rangers can consider moving. Players will always want to play in the big city, under the bright lights of the Empire State. It is highly unlikely that in two years a top college free agent will say “but Jimmy Vesey!” before signing with another team instead of the Rangers.

Next: A list of Alain Vigneault's lineup debacles

Agents and players understand the game. If Jimmy Vesey is the missing piece in a blockbuster trade for the Rangers, Jimmy Vesey will have to go. The New York Rangers should not look to trade him, but making him untouchable would be foolish at this point.

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