Vesey Signs with the Rangers

[PedroSpecialK]

They had 4 third rounders, room on the roster, and Eichel is buds with Vesey apparently.

Considering the 50 contract limit and the volume of picks they've had in this 3-4 year period, I don't think it's a bad gamble.

 

[kenneycb]

Random fact I found interesting but Nashville is the sixth owner of the no. 76 draft pick (Anaheim, New Jersey, Florida, Minnesota, Buffalo, Nashville)

 

[Carmine Hose]

Until 8/15 Buffalo couldn't talk to Vesey or his agent without a tampering violation. Now they are the only team that can talk to him for two months. Not a bad price when they had that many 3rd rounders. It's no Rinaldo, but still something of value.

 

[cshea]

Haggs/Kirk update on Vesey:

https://scoutingpost.com/2016/07/14/jimmy-vesey-update-csnne-video/

The Haggs interview with Jimmy is linked in Kirk's blog. It was actually pretty good. Kirk added some more context in the blog.

Cliff Notes version- He's going to 8/15. He met with the Sabres, and everyone agreed he'd wait until 8/15 to sign, to avoid a circus (I don't really get that part but whatever). Could be Buffalo or elsewhere. Jimmy himself says the B's are "definitely" on the list of teams he wants to talk to. Friends with Krug, knows the Hayes' as well. Wore 19 at Harvard in honor of Jumbo Joe.

Kirk says Vesey would be a game changer for the Bruins and that if they want him bad enough they've got a chance. Chicago and the NY teams are potential dark horses. Apparently Stan Bowman was in Foxboro to watch Jimmy recently.

We'll see how this goes down. Hopefully they can land him next month.

 

[TheRealness]

I read that column and walked away thinking the odds were essentially Bruins v. The Field.

I would bet on the Bruins if I read his responses correctly. It's possible he still gets wooed, but I doubt it. Buffalo has to feel discouraged. If he was going to sign there, he would have already.

 

[TFP]

Haggs on TSH repeating the idea that the Bruins signed Kevan Miller to help them sign Vesey.

I'm not confident Vesey will sign simply because Haggs is so confident.

 

[twothousandone]

It's all speculation but just about everyone in Chicago thinks Bowman will replicate the Panrin offer
https://blackhawkup.com/2016/07/08/chicago-blackhawks-jimmy-vesey-still-a-possibility/
Minimum for an ELC ($925,000) , max on bonuses ($2.85 million). Of course, that's not rocket science, especially it's what landed Panarin. Everyone can do it now.

For Vesey, it would be a three-year deal. The Blackhawks argument, of course, is
1) make the max
2) Compete for a Cup
3) Play alongside Toews, rack up points, and land a deal like Saad did after three years.

By now, though, Chicago's cap troubles have to be a concern -- and it isn't as though Saad chose where he'd play. With Chicago, Vesey runs a big risk of being traded.

 

[pappymojo]

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/07/14/bruins-facing-crucial-roster-decisions-with-their-limited-cap-space/

Don't know if Dolloff is a valid source for hockey analysis, but pertains to the discussion.

The Bruins put themselves in this precarious position with their numerous lucrative long-term deals, to which they added David Backes’ $6 million cap hit this offseason. The only way for them to get out from under the pressure they’ve suddenly created for themselves, assuming they want to sign both Vesey and Marchand, is to move one of their higher-priced contracts. Assuming Patrice Bergeron is completely off the table and locked away in the pantry (as he should be), that leaves captain Zdeno Chara ($6.9 million cap hit), goaltender Tuukka Rask ($7 million), and center David Krejci ($7.25 million).

 

[TheRealness]

Haggs on TSH repeating the idea that the Bruins signed Kevan Miller to help them sign Vesey.

I'm not confident Vesey will sign simply because Haggs is so confident.

I completely understand. You will feel better if you listen to him talk. I hate giving Haggs credit, but Vesey does come across as a kid hiding a big secret when he talks about the Bruins.

 

[twothousandone]

Don't know if Dolloff is a valid source for hockey analysis, but pertains to the discussion.


...The only way for them to get out from under the pressure they’ve suddenly created for themselves, assuming they want to sign both Vesey and Marchand, is to move one of their higher-priced contracts. ...

Any bonuses for Vesey can be pushed onto next years cap. Then next year Chara's cap hit goes down by almost $3 million, and Liles $2 million comes off. They may need more room, but that pressure doesn't exist now.

 

[burstnbloom]

They would have $16 mil in cap space if the cap stays the same and Vesey hits every bonus. $3 mil raises to both Marchand and Pastrnak leaves $10 mil to sign Spooner (who is totally getting traded) and fill out the roster. Should be pretty easy.

 

[TheRealness]

I would gladly deal with any complications that arise from signing Vesey. The ability to have him on an ELC his first three years (regardless of bonuses) would be a great deal for the Bruins. The ability to control him after would also be ideal.

It's a happy "problem" to have.

 

[BigMike]

I would gladly deal with any complications that arise from signing Vesey. The ability to have him on an ELC his first three years (regardless of bonuses) would be a great deal for the Bruins. The ability to control him after would also be ideal.

It's a happy "problem" to have.

You only get 2 years on his ELC, because of his age. The bonus stuff still has to be earned. And everyone will offer the same contract

In terms of the cap crunch, Boston doesn't have one today. Boston has one if they decide to go out and acquire Kevin Shattenkirk, and then do the necessary and pay him 7/49 to extend him. They have guys like McQuaid who are easily tradeable to free up a few bucks, which they would do if they got another D-man.

With all the young players in the pipeline they can certainly be somewhat aggressive with the cap, knowing they can fill the bottom 5-6 roster spots with guys on ELC

 

[mcpickl]

A fit question for you guys that know more than me(that's pretty much everybody). If the Bruins were able to land Vesey, wouldn't they have to move one of Marchand, Beleskey or Vatrano? Those three were used almost exclusively at LW last year, outside of Vatrano getting a little run with Bergeron/Marchand. Have any of those four played any RW at all? I know Vatrano has played some center outside of NHL, but there's no fit there now, and I'd guess Claude wouldn't love him at C anyway. Would seem a waste for any of those guys to be a 4th line LW, and maybe Vesey wouldn't want to pick Boston without a clearer shot at playing time if those three guys are all still here when he decides.

 

[BigMike]

A fit question for you guys that know more than me(that's pretty much everybody). If the Bruins were able to land Vesey, wouldn't they have to move one of Marchand, Beleskey or Vatrano? Those three were used almost exclusively at LW last year, outside of Vatrano getting a little run with Bergeron/Marchand. Have any of those four played any RW at all? I know Vatrano has played some center outside of NHL, but there's no fit there now, and I'd guess Claude wouldn't love him at C anyway. Would seem a waste for any of those guys to be a 4th line LW, and maybe Vesey wouldn't want to pick Boston without a clearer shot at playing time if those three guys are all still here when he decides.

My guess is the Bruins pitch for Vesey when the time comes has them promising the chance for a top 6 role. Belesky is a 3rd liner. Vatrano is far from proven, and has shown some ability on the right side

Vatrano played RW at the world championships this year.

 

[burstnbloom]

A fit question for you guys that know more than me(that's pretty much everybody). If the Bruins were able to land Vesey, wouldn't they have to move one of Marchand, Beleskey or Vatrano? Those three were used almost exclusively at LW last year, outside of Vatrano getting a little run with Bergeron/Marchand. Have any of those four played any RW at all? I know Vatrano has played some center outside of NHL, but there's no fit there now, and I'd guess Claude wouldn't love him at C anyway. Would seem a waste for any of those guys to be a 4th line LW, and maybe Vesey wouldn't want to pick Boston without a clearer shot at playing time if those three guys are all still here when he decides.

Vatrano played RW in the WC and acquitted himself well. I think the fourth line might be Vatrano-Nash-Hayes to start if they sign Vesey.

Marchand-Bergeron-Vatrano/Heinen
Beleskey-Krejci-Pastrnak
Vesey-Backes-Heinen/Griffith/Vatrano
Vatrano/Heinen/Accari-Nash-Hayes

Alot to figure out in TC but Vesey certainly helps this forward group look a little deeper

 

[TFP]

Vatrano played RW in the WC and acquitted himself well. I think the fourth line might be Vatrano-Nash-Hayes to start if they sign Vesey.

Marchand-Bergeron-Vatrano/Heinen
Beleskey-Krejci-Pastrnak
Vesey-Backes-Heinen/Griffith/Vatrano
Vatrano/Heinen/Accari-Nash-Hayes

Alot to figure out in TC but Vesey certainly helps this forward group look a little deeper

You forgot Spooner too.

 

[Maximus]

You forgot Spooner too.

We've already traded him + for Shattenkirk or Fowler.[emoji38]

 

[TFP]

Haha.

In the scenario of them signing Vesey, I think Backes and Spooner will slot into Bergeron's RW with the other playing 3C, and this will likely rotate depending on opponent.

 

[Maximus]

Haha.

In the scenario of them signing Vesey, I think Backes and Spooner will slot into Bergeron's RW with the other playing 3C, and this will likely rotate depending on opponent.

I agree, I think if they sign Vesey, Backes will be the 3C and Spooner will be the RW with Bergy. Vesey would be on Backes' line with Vatrano, great for both Vesey and Vatrano. I think the 4th line will be Accari, Nash and Hayes. Heinen is the wildcard, he could fit on the 3rd or 4th line too.

 

[burstnbloom]

You forgot Spooner too.

I didn't forget Spooner, I think he's 90% to be traded, either for a D or RW depth.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

I didn't forget Spooner, I think he's 90% to be traded, either for a D or RW depth.

Why so confident? I see no smoke with that right now.

 

[TheRealness]

Why so confident? I see no smoke with that right now.

That's because no one wants him.

 

[burstnbloom]

Why so confident? I see no smoke with that right now.

I don't think the organization values him that highly and will move him. They clearly see him as a pivot and he's even worse on the wing. I'd be really surprised if they don't roll him into an asset at another position. I don't believe they signed Backes to play wing other than on the PP.

 

[PedroSpecialK]

Wrong thread

 

[FL4WL3SS]

I don't think the organization values him that highly and will move him. They clearly see him as a pivot and he's even worse on the wing. I'd be really surprised if they don't roll him into an asset at another position. I don't believe they signed Backes to play wing other than on the PP.

I don't necessarily disagree, but again I see no rumblings.

 

[burstnbloom]

I don't necessarily disagree, but again I see no rumblings.

Sure, but all of their actions point one way and the only thing on the opposite side of the ledger is that no one is talking about it. I'd be shocked if he isn't moved.

 

[Carmine Hose]

A relative of mine if friendly with Jim Vesey, the father, and he has relayed that he wants his son nowhere near playing for the hometown team, at least not out of the gate in his career. It's going to be Toronto, where he can play with Matthews.

 

[Jed Zeppelin]

I'll look on the bright side and suggest that by the Law of Filial Disobedience, we're pretty much a lock.

 

[Carmine Hose]

I'd love to see it happen, just reporting what was said. If it were going to be Buffalo it would've happened already. B's have 11 days to figure out how to change the family's mind, when the father is paid by their competitor in this race.

 

[The Napkin]

A relative of mine if friendly with Jim Vesey, the father, and he has relayed that he wants his son nowhere near playing for the hometown team, at least not out of the gate in his career. It's going to be Toronto, where he can play with Matthews.

Yes. Because the press and fandom in Toronto is notoriously easy on players and would certainly give a player more of a pass than Sully and Murph who totally lit him up that one time in midgets.
Don't BS up, pops. Just tell us you want him to come play for your organization if that's what you want.

 

[pappymojo]

If the father had said I don't want him to play for the Bruins because their front office is a disgrace, I could kind of understand the point.

 

[cshea]

I think Buffalo and Chicago are bigger threats than the Leafs. The Leafs have some cap issues and a cluttered forward group. After meeting with Buffalo he said that all parties agreed to wait until 8/15 to sign anyways, so I don't think his not signing there is any indication they're out. If Matthews is a draw for Toronto, then I don't see why Eichel wouldn't be an even bigger draw for Buffalo. Plus Buffalo has more of an opening in their rosters Geographically it's a wash in terms of how far away from Boston and family he'd be. Chicago is the furthest away, but they're the best hockey team chasing him and he can jump in immediately and play with Kane/Toews/Hossa etc. They point to Panarin and say that can be you next year.

 

[snowmanny]

If the father had said I don't want him to play for the Bruins because their front office is a disgrace, I could kind of understand the point.

His father said this in March, so maybe not the FO and more the coach:

“My advice, personally,’’ said the senior Vesey, “I’d like to see him start [his career] somewhere else . . . [saying that] as a dad. But who knows. There might be some changes in Boston. There might be a new coach, you don’t know.’’

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/colleges/2016/04/08/harvard-jimmy-vesey-wins-hobey-baker-award/zuRTbvoYraG1LTalq0pnuJ/story.html

 

[TheRealness]

I think Chicago is the biggest threat. I know the father doesn't want him to sign in Boston, and playing in Toronto with his father and the media isn't easier by any stretch. Chicago offers him a chance todo his own thing and join one of the best teams in hockey.

Still, the Bruins have a spot for him and in his interview with Haggs it seemed like he was giddy at the prospects of playin for them. I suppose we will see in 11+ days.

 

[Murby]

I think Chicago is the biggest threat. I know the father doesn't want him to sign in Boston, and playing in Toronto with his father and the media isn't easier by any stretch. Chicago offers him a chance todo his own thing and join one of the best teams in hockey.

Still, the Bruins have a spot for him and in his interview with Haggs it seemed like he was giddy at the prospects of playin for them. I suppose we will see in 11+ days.

According to Haggs, Hawks are now the frontrunner with the Bruins not even in the top 3:

https://t.co/COQAo8K91a

 

[PedroSpecialK]

According to one of those sources, however

The click-thirst is real

 

[cshea]

I like our chances even more now!

 

[TheRealness]

According to Haggs, Hawks are now the frontrunner with the Bruins not even in the top 3:

https://t.co/COQAo8K91a

I would have believed it more if he didn't say New Jersey was in the top 3. That would shock me if he went there.

Chicago seems more likely now. Sad!

 

[TFP]

I like our chances even more now!

My thoughts exactly.

 

[RedOctober3829]

I would have believed it more if he didn't say New Jersey was in the top 3. That would shock me if he went there.

Chicago seems more likely now. Sad!

But Ray Shero was in Foxboro watching Jimmy!!!!!!

 

[kenneycb]

I find it funny the top 3 has changed so much when none of these teams can even talk to him...

 

[burstnbloom]

All I know is that everything we've heard Jimmy himself say points directly at the Bruins. There is always a chance that the allure of playing with Toews brings him to Chicago, but I would be surprised if he were anywhere but Boston this time next week.

 

[cshea]

Nobody really knows anything. Harris has some quotes from Vesey's agent in the Herald today.

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/bruins/2016/08/nhl_hot_for_jimmy_vesey_and_harvard_star_is_narrowing_list_for_monday?utm_campaign=bostonherald_trending_stories&utm_source=bostonherald&utm_medium=trending_stories

Cliff notes: They've huddled and narrowed their list to ~6 teams they'd like to hear from on Monday. The guesswork from Harris is it's Boston, NJ, NYR, CHI, TOR, BUF. Harris' source thinks BOS/CHI/NYR will be the finalists. I did wince with the "how a team treats a player on their second and third contracts" as part of the criteria that Fish said they'd take under consideration.

It is a crap shoot though.

 

[Maximus]

All I know is that everything we've heard Jimmy himself say points directly at the Bruins. There is always a chance that the allure of playing with Toews brings him to Chicago, but I would be surprised if he were anywhere but Boston this time next week.

The allure of playing with Toews and the Blackhawk machine is going to be difficult to overcome. Hopefully Sweeney and Neely are effective in their sales campaign and leverage their elite players (Bergeron, Krejci, Backes, Marchand) in the campaign similar to what they did with Backes.

 

[RedOctober3829]

The allure of playing with Toews and the Blackhawk machine is going to be difficult to overcome. Hopefully Sweeney and Neely are effective in their sales campaign and leverage their elite players (Bergeron, Krejci, Backes, Marchand) in the campaign similar to what they did with Backes.

If the choice is Bruins or Hawks, it's not that hard of a choice at all.

 

[burstnbloom]

If it is just about winning now, then the Bruins can't win. If its just about being comfortable, playing close to home etc, then the Bruins can't be beat. If it's about how players are treated by the team in their second contract, I can't see any way he goes to Chicago. They have $57 mil tied up in 8 players the year Vesey would be an RFA and that is without paying Panarin. They just traded Brandon Saad for this exact reason. The Rangers will certainly have some room but they are probably going to suck then. Maybe it's rose colored glasses but I think the Bruins are in the driver seat here unless Vesey's sole motivation is winning right now, which it very well could be.

I'm not saying he won't sign elsewhere, just that the Bruins appear to be the best overall fit when you factor in opportunity, ability to get a large second contract and proximity to his home, which we've heard him say is important to him.

 

[jk333]

I'm not saying he won't sign elsewhere, just that the Bruins appear to be the best overall fit when you factor in opportunity, ability to get a large second contract and proximity to his home, which we've heard him say is important to him.

I also think it would make sense if he signed with Buffalo. Between Eichel, Okposo, Reinhart and Risto they could be very good in a couple years while also providing him a chance for big production right now. But that he hasn't yet signed with them makes it less likely.

The "second contract" thing makes me wonder about Chicago because like you say, they had to trade Saad and now Panarin is complaining about being paid. They even unloaded Teravainen because of the Bickell contract. To me, that shows a team that's very willing to shop players that are young or RFAs. Still, Vessey's goal should be scoring points and winning and Chicago may be the best spot for both. I'm sure that's what their pitch will be. But if he's looking toward second contracts with a team, there's 3 players that all may or may not stay on Chicago and also don't/didn't get to choose their next destination.

Also, the 15th is finally here. I guess we see tomorrow? Unless he actually meets all the teams and the decision comes later this week.

 

[cshea]

Meetings are actually tomorrow. Sabres hold his rights through midnight tonight.

There are pro's and con's for each team. Chicago is the best team, but he spurned an opportunity to jump onto a playoff team in the spring. Toews/Kane could be a lure, but Bergeron and Marchand aren't exactly chopped liver here. Buffalo and New Jersey can offer more playing time, but they are probably furthest away from contention. Geography has seemingly played a role in his previous hockey decisions, so one would assume that will be factored in. Points off for Chicago, points up for Boston and the NY area teams perhas. The Rangers could be a fit, but they're trending down. Toronto seems like a wild card at this point.

 

[John Marzano Olympic Hero]

I wonder if the Blackhawks Director of Scouting, Ron Anderson has any influence on this decision? He was the coach at Merrimack College when Vesey's dad went there.