New York Rangers: Examining Jimmy Vesey’s trade value

The New York Rangers are in trouble. They haven’t won a game in regulation since December 19th, and have lost three straight.

They are getting outshot and outplayed on a nightly basis. It is time for the team to sell, and float some names out on the trade market. One player, they should consider putting out there is Jimmy Vesey

Vesey has been a polarizing topic of debate amongst Rangers fans. Some view him as a top-six forward, capable of scoring 25-30 goals, and some view him as nothing more than a fourth liner. The truth lies somewhere in the middle; Vesey is a good depth player that most serious contending teams have.

The Rangers should most definitely sell at this year’s trade deadline. When this topic is discussed, the most obvious players that come up to be traded are Rick Nash and Michael Grabner. They are both veterans on expiring contracts that can be moved.

But, another name that could be considered is Jimmy Vesey. Now, this isn’t to say that the Rangers will trade him. Quite the opposite, actually. The Rangers seem to view him as an integral part of their team going forward.

But, he would definitely be an attractive trade piece. He is a young talent on a cheap contract. In today’s salary-cap driven league, these kinds of players are the foundation of successful teams.

Now, let’s take a look at what Jimmy Vesey’s trade value might be.

Reputation vs. results

Vesey declared for the NHL draft the year after he won the Hobey Baker Award for the best player in college hockey. He was originally drafted by the Nashville Predators,  and when he made it clear he wouldn’t sign with them, his rights were then dealt to the Buffalo Sabres.

Vesey made it obvious that he also wouldn’t sign with Buffalo, and elected to test free agency. Teams jumped at the chance to sign him. On August 19th, 2016, he agreed to terms with the Rangers.

His rookie season on Broadway was up-and-down. He started off the season hot and then cooled off. He scored more than half off his points in the calendar year of 2016. Vesey finished the 2016-17 season with 16 goals and 11 assists for 27 points.

This season, he has recorded nine goals and seven assists, for 16 points in 44 games, hardly the numbers of a top-six forward. His possession numbers also aren’t particularly strong; he is currently posting an even-strength Corsi For percentage of 44.52%. While this is due in part to playing on a very weak possession team and heavy defensive zone starts, these numbers still are not good.

Despite this, Vesey is viewed around the league as a player with a high ceiling. Whether this is due to his Hobey Baker Award and his prowess in college, or the big splash he made entering the league as a free agent, teams would jump at the chance to acquire him.

If the Rangers were to decide to trade Vesey, there would be no shortage of suitors. The Rangers would be able to recoup picks and/or prospects to refill their barren farm if they were to elect to deal Vesey.

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Vesey is a good, young player on a cheap contract, which every team needs. However, his actual ability has not translated to the hype surrounding him. If the Rangers were to take advantage of the value of his name, it could be a wise move.