Vesey has made his decision and it's the Rangers. After a seemingly long wait, which really wasn't, as he couldn't officially meet with teams until August 16, Vesey decided to head to Manhattan. Eight teams, including the Rangers, (Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, NY Islanders, New Jersey, Pittsburgh and Toronto) were in the mix but Vesey opted to sign with the Rangers, agreeing to a two-year deal. The contract is $925k annually with $1.925 mil in performance bonuses, the type of which should mirror what Kevin Hayes receivers and earned in Year 1 of his deal.

The history of Hobey Baker Award winners in the majors, as laid out by Peter Tessier in his blog today, isn't strong. But as I have written and said to many, I am not expecting him to be a savior. If he can produce likes Hayes did in Year 1, with around 15-18 goals and 25-30 assists, that would be perfect. Adding a top-six or -nine winger on an ELC, even with maybe up to $3 mil in performance bonuses, still is a steal. Especially if you get the requisite production that makes that contract look even better.

Vesey gives NY another solid scoring forward. His presence enables the Rangers to deal a forward to improve the defense, maybe even Nash for Shattenkirk, as has been rumored. If no deal occurs, then Vesey should start out on the third line with Hayes and Pavel Buchnevich. Vesey allows some pressure to be taken off Buchnevich and each rookie to grow throughout the year without needing to carry the offense. It also enables the lineup to be lengthened, pushing a Michael Grabner to the fourth line while also creating additional competition. Players can be plugged and played up and down each line trio.

For all those who claim the Rangers are an "old" team. The acquisition of Vesey means that Hayes, Kreider, Miller, Stepan, Vesey, Zibanejad and Buchnevich are all 26 years old or younger. Add in Zuccarello, Fast and Lindberg and the future is bright. The defense, save for Skjei, is older and the weak link, which has to be remediated and quickly. Give Gorton and the recruiting skills of Hayes and Kreider need to be commended.

Vesey boosts the prospect list for a team that has made too much of a habit of trading first round picks. While that approach is not ideal, by adding Hayes and now Vesey, it at least softens some of the blow from trading those picks. For all those hating on Vesey, he exercised an option that exists within the CBA. I can understand being annoyed that he didn't sign with your team but hating on him or calling him privileged for making a life choice well within the rules is more than a bit harsh. Baseball players drafted out if high school can opt not to sign and they become free agents able to get drafted again the following year. If a fourth year college player, they can sign anywhere. It's in the CBA, so too is exactly what Hayes did.

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