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Let's Just Vesey What The Morning Brings |
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Updated:
I can confirm that the agent for Jimmy Vesey plans to speak with Tim Murray and the Buffalo Sabres in the very near future.
Tonight? Tomorrow?
I asked Peter Fish by email if he plans on speaking with the Buffalo Sabres before his client becomes UFA at midnight on 8/16.
"Tomorrow for sure".
The Sabres own Vesey's negotiating rights until the end of the day on August 15.
Vesey will enter free agency. He will not be signing with the Sabres on Monday. However, once he goes around the horn and hears the proposals from the other suitors, he will make his decision. I'm told that the North Reading, Mass. Native will make his final decision by Friday August 20.
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Tim Murray will not be going down without a fight.
Comes word today that Murray is putting the torpedoed five man fire check on jimmy Vesey and his agent.
Vesey is reportedly listening to one last pre-unrestricted free agency sales pitch from Murray's Sabres.
In June, Buffalo bought Vesey's free agent rights from Nashville for a third round draft choice.
Vesey, the 2016 Hobey Baker winner, is reportedly having one more last-minute pow wow with Tim Murray and the Buffalo Sabres, according to TSN's Ryan Rishaug.
I've been telling you for weeks that the Sabres are smack dab in the middle of the Vesey Scramble. Murray has had multiple discussions with Team Vesey. They will no doubt be speaking again in the near future.
The 23 year old power forward wants to play with his best friend Jack Eichel in Buffalo, however, before he can proceed to that goal, he wants to see hear what opportunities exist for him with other NHL clubs.
Since June, Vesey has been saying that he will be going to the free agency market on August 15.
The Sabres have been 'very much in the mix'.
Before the Sabres can sign Vesey to a $5.6 million two year entry level contract, he must first see if other NHL teams can meet or beat the rock solid, impressive opportunity that the Sabres have tailor made for Vesey.
Peter Fish, one of Vesey's agents told Yahoo Sports' Josh Cooper that there is no clear cut front runner nor a no favorite team to sign Vesey. Vesey has always been intrigued and interested in playing with Eichel,Samson Reinhart, Ryan O'Reilly, Rasmussen Ristolainen, Kyle Okposo and the rebuilt Sabres.
Last week, Fish told me by email that his client is "still very much interested in Buffalo ". Fish and Tim Murray are still talking.
Vesey's position has not wavered regarding his desire to play with Eichel in Buffalo.
What other NHL will be taking a run at Vesey on Monday?
The Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, and Boston Bruins have all reportedly been keeping tabs on the former Harvard standout since he bid adieu to the Nashville Predators in April.
Buffalo is and always have been on Vesey's short list. That will not change.
Vesey will not be signing with the Sabres before tomorrow. He will talk to a select number of teams and then compare the other opportunities to Buffalo, which right now is the bell cow.
Team Vesey will compare all other proposals to Buffalo's.
The Sabres hold Vesey's negotiating rights until midnight on 8/16 at which time he will become UFA.
Tim Murray, Dan Bylsma and Jerry Forton have been transparent with Vesey, his family, Fish and Peter Donatelli, the advisor. Jack Eichel has been Buffalo's best bargainer throughout this process. Eichel and Vesey have been working out and kicking it together back home in suburban Boston.
The Sabres want Vesey badly to play alongside Eichel in Buffalo for the next ten years or more.
More to come....
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