Latest from a friend:

"Blackhawks made a very simple and succinct pitch to the Vesey camp. No over the top promises, no frills, just simply what they had to offer, what team/player support they could provide, etc. including a small phone pitch from Scotty Bowman. The Vesey camp has not let anything out, but have been told that he has already made a decision, and they are working on logistics/conferences today."
- John Jaeckel

logistics and conferences as in how long the flights are to Chicago and the Western Conference schedules?!

Maybe they had Nash in the meeting
- BetweenTheDots

Hope you're referring to Kevin Nash.

NVO = New Vesey Order

if scotty bowman calls you and tells you to do something hockey-related, you say "yes, sir."

Maybe they had Nash in the meeting
- BetweenTheDots

Seriously, what's a better option for him. Playing with Stepan/Zuccarello or two HOF guys like Toews/Hossa? It's a no brainer unless being closer to home really is a big deal to him. You're 23, not 18. Grow up and play where is best for you and your career like the majority of the NHLers. He's picking NYR?

Hope you're referring to Kevin Nash.

NVO = New Vesey Order


- Hank3Henshaw

Or Graham Nash. Maybe he is a fan of The Hollies?

Did someone tell Kevin Hayes he's not on solid ground with the coach out there also. Be something if he recruits the kid and then he gets lopped!

Rangers still don't make sense to me. A lot of solid forwards on that team for Vesey to compete against unless they guarantee him a top 6 spot.

Makes sense Vesey is going to NY given JJ posted a comment about Hawks now in on Hudler. Sounds like it is probably done.

@TSNBobMcKenzie
Jimmy Vesey's decision likely to come today. Outside chance it drifts to tomorrow but it's more likely #VeseyWatch ends today.

@TSNBobMcKenzie
Jimmy Vesey's decision likely to come today. Outside chance it drifts to tomorrow but it's more likely #VeseyWatch ends today.
- walleyeb1

If true it can't be final yet, unles Vesey just wants people to talk about him one more day.

Makes sense Vesey is going to NY given JJ posted a comment about Hawks now in on Hudler. Sounds like it is probably done.
- kwolf68

^This. Now will Hudler sign with Bowman or leave us bent over?

Sean Monahan signs for 7 years, over $6M. Similar to MacK's deal.

Makes sense Vesey is going to NY given JJ posted a comment about Hawks now in on Hudler. Sounds like it is probably done.
- kwolf68

Sounds like the Rangers
Given their playoff window is almost shut I am surprised

Makes sense Vesey is going to NY given JJ posted a comment about Hawks now in on Hudler. Sounds like it is probably done.
- kwolf68

True. Does connect some dots maybe. I think it's just their ASAP contingency plan.

Scotty Bowman participating in the pitch. That's almost unfair.
- Cmonalready

"Great to meet you, Jimmy, we've got the 2nd winningest coach in NHL history with us here in the room, and the winningest on the phone. Now, what's that you said about the coaching staff being an important part of your decision?"

This, from the Rangers blog...

>> Dan Federico ‏@DanFederico_ 4m4 minutes ago
>> I've heard from a decent source that used to help me when I had the #NYR beat >> tell me Vesey is signing with the #Rangers. Stay tuned...

@TSNBobMcKenzie
Jimmy Vesey's decision likely to come today. Outside chance it drifts to tomorrow but it's more likely #VeseyWatch ends today.
- walleyeb1

True. Does connect some dots maybe. I think it's just their ASAP contingency plan.
- 93Joe

Yep. That's my view. Hawks are moving onto the next step. It's just odd JJ would post a comment about Hudler and then Rangers rumors pick up.

My only question is IF it's done, then what the hell is he waiting for?

Welp, if it is indeed the Rangers all we can do is hope for the best for the kid and hope he doesn't regret his decision in 2 years. No point blasting someone who is making a decision based on what he thinks is best for himself.

Time to get Hudler on board and start getting to work!

"Great to meet you, Jimmy, we've got the 2nd winningest coach in NHL history with us here in the room, and the winningest on the phone. Now, what's that you said about the coaching staff being an important part of your decision?"
- pdx2ord

There's that, Hawks could likely offer him 2nd unit PP time, and a chance to play top line mins with two HOF players, plus Chicago is built for long-term success and NYR has maybe 2 years left of win now mode. Can't imagine growing up in Boston then using your FA to choose a city you grew up hating your whole life. Like me picking St Louis,

Yep. That's my view. Hawks are moving onto the next step. It's just odd JJ would post a comment about Hudler and then Rangers rumors pick up.

My only question is IF it's done, then what the hell is he waiting for?
- kwolf68

He is waiting for the Ego train to arrive in NY - hope the NY media has a field day with LBJ Jr. This whole thing was a joke...

Monahan signs for roughly $6.3
Good comparable for next Breadman deal.

Welp, if it is indeed the Rangers all we can do is hope for the best for the kid and hope he doesn't regret his decision in 2 years. No point blasting someone who is making a decision based on what he thinks is best for himself.

Time to get Hudler on board and start getting to work!
- roots_gamble

I am fine with Hudler.

Makes sense Vesey is going to NY given JJ posted a comment about Hawks now in on Hudler. Sounds like it is probably done.
- kwolf68

Please don't infer that from what I wrote. Hudler is a backup plan.

Yep. That's my view. Hawks are moving onto the next step. It's just odd JJ would post a comment about Hudler and then Rangers rumors pick up.

My only question is IF it's done, then what the hell is he waiting for?
- kwolf68

Who knows man. If Scotty Bowman doesn't convince someone, then I don't know who or what does in the world of hockey.

But hey, he's an adult, he can make his own decisions. If he wants NY, then good for him, really.

Aside from that, the Rangers top 6 isn't anything to boast about at all and Lundqvist is aging.

Bring on Hudler!