Jimmy Vesey
Jimmy Vesey, like all college free agents, came with fanfare. Vesey chose to sign with the Rangers after being pursued by several NHL clubs. At Harvard, Vesey was a top line forward who scored goals, peaking at 32 goals in 37 games in 2015.
The adjustment to the NHL grind from college isn’t easy, the NHL season is twice as long. Last season, Vesey ran out of gas near the end and didn’t find his name on the scoresheet. However, he still played in the top six, unlike Buchnevich.
Like most decisions, Vigneault probably felt that Vesey was more of a known quantity. Most of Vigneault’s lineup choices are about playing things safe instead of playing for the highest ceiling possible.
This season, Vesey has been one of the least used forwards on the team. Only two players average less than Vesey’s 14:10 time on ice through 21 games. Vesey has mostly played with Kevin Hayes and Jesper Fast, a line that bleeds shots. The group has a Corsi of 44.44% when deployed together, and struggle to transition to offense from defense.
Vigneault is putting Vesey in a situation where he is the trigger man on his line. Neither Hayes or Fast is a shoot first player, so it’s up to Vesey to get shots.