Former top prospect finally finds job security in the NHL, signs multi-year contract

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Josh tupper
January 4, 2023 (10:30)

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Making it to the NHL is one of the most difficult things any player can do in sports, but staying in the league is even more difficult. Jimmy Vesey was drafted 66th overall in 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators. Vesey never played a game for the Predators though, instead deciding to spend 4 years at Harvard University.

After his 4th year at Harvard, Vesey officially became an unrestricted College Free Agent, giving him the ability to sign with whatever team he'd like. Vesey was easily one of the highest profile College Free Agents in years, and almost every team lined up to sign him. Vesey ultimately decided to sign with the New York Rangers where he played the first 3 years of his career.

Vesey was then traded to the Buffalo Sabres and from there he has struggled to find any stability in the NHL. Vesey has played with 5 teams since 2020 and was even forced to take a professional tryout to keep his hockey career alive. This season though Vesey has found a depth role with those same New York Rangers that gave him his first NHL chance.

This season Vesey has 6 goals and 6 assists in 38 games. So today the Rangers awarded Vesey for his hard work and good play.

The two-year deal with a cap hit of $800,000 gives Vesey some long-term security for the first time in almost 4 years in the league and is a much deserved reward for his persistence and play.

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