I think the underlying big sell for Chicago is that despite the allure and spotlight of Chicago, he will be a small fish in a big pond, which is probably what he wants (according to his agent)

He will be, what, the 9th biggest star/spotlight player behind:

Kane
Toews
Hossa
Keith
Seabrook
Panarin
Hammer
Crawford

Not to mention other guys coming on board will be viewed with equal hype that there wouldnt be so much of a burden mentally on Vesey (Schmaltz, Kempny, Campbell, Motte)

Will be people be paying attention to him? Sure. But he is so far down the pecking order that nobody will be expecting this kid to be a cornerstone signing like they would in Nashville, Buffalo, Toronto, Boston, etc

My prediction is that Jimmy Vesey will sign with Bruins. And after that we can all move on. Let see if I´m right or wrong. Just a hunch.

Even if we sign Vesey and he comes as advertised, how does the core, the other veterans, the youngsters, and especially the prospects busting their tail off to crack the lineup see the Vesey signing. I would guess that a prospect would be somewhat bitter that Vesey would be given a spot on a silver platter while someone like McNeill is going to get the "sorry, try again next year" treatment.
- AEL_Fox

Guarantees don't mean anything - 9 games into your career if you are clearly struggling in doing the job in the Hawk line-up, the management asks(tells) you to sit, go play in Rockford and get better, because it isn't helping us or your career if you can't make the adjustment.

I think it only makes competition fiercer if the team adds Vesey.
Whether you are a couple of season Rockford candidate or a just left college early Motte & Schmaltz, maybe Vesey becomes the standard of who you have to beat out.

And if you left college b/c the Hawks looked to have openings, you still were gonna to have to play at a certain level of excellence as Vesey will have to.
No team is gonna keep playing a guy if he plays like a turd, doesn't mesh, improve fairly quickly along the way.

Jimmy Vesey and his reps can ask and get answered the questions concerning where he MIGHT play, and no matter what teams tell them, everything is tied to a rapid rise in how Vesey plasy or he simply doesn't.

What if Vesey falls flat on his face. Does he still stay in the lineup over someone like McNeill who -- while not spectacular -- plays a safe, two-way game that is arguably deserving of a bottom-6 spot?
- AEL_Fox

Asked and answered.

Vesey doesn't come off as a prima donna but you never know. Even if he does have a good head on his shoulders, it still wouldn't be a good move for team morale to just give him an automatic spot in the lineup. It's not good pressure to put on Vesey either to have others on the team bitter at him for not earning his spot on the team.
- AEL_Fox

Vesey is clearly opening the offers and along with them and this UFA process will be a floodgate of pressure to succeed.
That is why he is smart enough to filter through the offers and look for a situation where he can learn, and also succeed with the guys around him, and reach some/many of the contract bonus clauses.

It might seem like New Jersey (the Leafs or Sabres) or any other pretender fringe playoff contending franchise is less pressure to win. The question becomes is there a perfect teaching coach & staff that provides linemates and opportunities for Vesey to reach the bonuses?
Sure, but less guarantee that the team is winning anything EVER.

That's why I still wonder why Kevin hayes saw NYRangers as a suitable landing point...they were't gonna win the Cup in the last two years were they?
AV is the teaching coach? The guys around him were a good fit?
or they had a RW spot open right then..

My prediction is that Jimmy Vesey will sign with Bruins. And after that we can all move on. Let see if I´m right or wrong. Just a hunch.
- MjulQvist

My prediction is he signs a service contract for Las Vegas where he works security in the weight room of a Casino until 2017-18.

But from the start I always thought it was the bruins from day one...yet somehow the blessed media kept throwing the fake rumors around and made me believe that there were true other contenders.
It was fed by the non commital Vesey reps who clearly keep saying it's an open concert maybe a bit more than necessary...maybe to dispel any thoughts of tampering?

My prediction is that Jimmy Vesey will sign with Bruins. And after that we can all move on. Let see if I´m right or wrong. Just a hunch.
- MjulQvist

Wouldn't surprise me at all. But do the Bruins allow that opportunity or present the pitch of a second contract as much as Chicago? Boston seems as if it'll have a harder time making the playoffs than Chicago. Their blue line is very suspect.. Chara aging, Siedenberg's fall off... Valid concerns, but I think he picks Chicago.

Very good post and it is an issue if someone leap frogs his way onto the team. If u notice they are careful who gets a chance in Chicago. Difference is there are no legit top 6 forwards in Rockford but I'm not certain Vesey can handle that work load right now.
- Al

Good point on a good question. Vesey would not be supplanting anyone whom the organization thought prior to a Vesey arrival, had the job/slot in the lineup. And I am fairly sure that if the 'Hawks sign him and he busts his ass, to the approval of especially The Captain, all is well.

Get 'er done, Stan!

Wouldn't surprise me at all. But do the Bruins allow that opportunity or present the pitch of a second contract as much as Chicago? Boston seems as if it'll have a harder time making the playoffs than Chicago. Their blue line is very suspect.. Chara aging, Siedenberg's fall off... Valid concerns, but I think he picks Chicago.
- 93Joe

Pitch a second contract ALREADY?

The owner of the team the old skinfint Jacobs preaches fiscal responsibility, so all teams will be hopeful but saying "if things work out..."

Asked and answered.



Vesey is clearly opening the offers and along with them and this UFA process will be a floodgate of pressure to succeed.
That is why he is smart enough to filter through the offers and look for a situation where he can learn, and also succeed with the guys around him, and reach some/many of the contract bonus clauses.

It might seem like New Jersey (the Leafs or Sabres) or any other pretender fringe playoff contending franchise is less pressure to win. The question becomes is there a perfect teaching coach & staff that provides linemates and opportunities for Vesey to reach the bonuses?
Sure, but less guarantee that the team is winning anything EVER.

That's why I still wonder why Kevin hayes saw NYRangers as a suitable landing point...they were't gonna win the Cup in the last two years were they?
AV is the teaching coach? The guys around him were a good fit?
or they had a RW spot open right then..
- wiz1901

That's why I still think he chooses the Blackhawks, they have everything: a top 6 LW position available, HOF teammates to help him get acclimated, a chance to win Cups, less pressure because he doesn't need to be the man, a WC team so not playing for a big EC rival of the Bruins, central time zone so not far from home, etc. It's the best choice. I see the Boston argument, I see the Buffalo argument, but I really don't see the other arguments and I think the Chicago argument will win out.

Well, at least we know the process.

Tomorrow morning, the Vesey reps will start calling the suitors and then the teams will probably fly in for meetings because his Rep said just a few days ago, "they" would be coming to Boston.

A lot of money being generated into the economy to just see him staying home in Boston.

Vesey is obviously the best option given contract and upside but Hudler, Fleischmann, Pirri, Vermette and even Vrbata offer at least low risk, highish reward options on the cheap. I feel good about how this has been handled thus far...

Man would it be great to land this kid and have him turn out to be worth the hype.

Vesey-Toews-Kane/Hossa
Panarin-Anisimov-Kane/Hossa

That would be an OUTSTANDING top 6 if that's what ends up happening.

Good enough IMO to make us favorites in the Western conference when you factor in the defense/goaltending/X-factors.

As much as i would love to also add a 2nd forward(preferably another center) I think we'd get by with a bottom 6 featuring Panik, Schmaltz, Kruger, Desjardins, Rasmussen, Tootoo, etc.

But this is all only if the Hawks A. Get Vesey and B. He turns out to be a stud. Not sure what the chances are but its fun to think about as his decision looms.

Vesey and Panerin together sure would make up for not having a 1st rounder in 2015 or 2016.

Top 5 talent two years in a row for 3x Stanley Cup champs. Could be Amazing.

Vesey is obviously the best option given contract and upside but Hudler, Fleischmann, Pirri, Vermette and even Vrbata offer at least low risk, highish reward options on the cheap. I feel good about how this has been handled thus far...
- TyYoungfelt

As far as playing with Toews,who I am sure is already fuming about having Beer league players on his left side in the past compared to Saad, those guys are garbage.
And Q ain't breaking up that line withPanerin Kane and Anisimov any time soon. , next option please........
Then possibly Bowman has to eventually find a trade partner and get Toews a guy like JVR

Vesey is obviously the best option given contract and upside but Hudler, Fleischmann, Pirri, Vermette and even Vrbata offer at least low risk, highish reward options on the cheap. I feel good about how this has been handled thus far...
- TyYoungfelt

Hudler would be a good pickup, but does he play LW though? He would probably be pretty decent with Toews and Hoss.

Vesey is obviously the best option given contract and upside but Hudler, Fleischmann, Pirri, Vermette and even Vrbata offer at least low risk, highish reward options on the cheap. I feel good about how this has been handled thus far...
- TyYoungfelt

no.



Hudler ok .

Well, at least we know the process.

Tomorrow morning, the Vesey reps will start calling the suitors and then the teams will probably fly in for meetings because his Rep said just a few days ago, "they" would be coming to Boston.

A lot of money being generated into the economy to just see him staying home in Boston.
- wiz1901

Buffalo still owns Vesey's rights until the end of tomorrow so calls won't be made until Tuesday.

Buffalo still owns Vesey's rights until the end of tomorrow so calls won't be made until Tuesday.
- DarthKane

Hey Darth,

here's an article from NHL.com - as you mention stating Vesey isn't a UFA until Tuesday at 12:01am. Interesting though that Vesey says in the article they'll start talking to teams on August 15th.

https://www.nhl.com/news/...etting-closer/c-281334056

Hey Darth,

here's an article from NHL.com - as you mention stating Vesey isn't a UFA until Tuesday at 12:01am. Interesting though that Vesey says in the article they'll start talking to teams on August 15th.

https://www.nhl.com/news/...etting-closer/c-281334056
- DK002

If Buffalo gives permission make calls to other teams (i.e. to set up meetings) then they can do it without violating the CBA / triggering tampering charges. Lots of press saying team Vesey talked again with Buffalo yesterday.

It looks like we had it incorrect.

It isn't until midnight TONIGHT that teams can START calling.

then the appointments for the trips to Boston will began. Or not.

His camp will be notifying the teams they wish to speak with today.

Maybe they are now doing it by phone only?



We could find out as early as tomorrow which club Vesey ultimately joins, as he’s not expected to take long in reaching a decision. Or not.


Until Jimmy announces he signs with the Bruin tomorrow morning.

Vesey is obviously the best option given contract and upside but Hudler, Fleischmann, Pirri, Vermette and even Vrbata offer at least low risk, highish reward options on the cheap. I feel good about how this has been handled thus far...
- TyYoungfelt

Why did they even let Fleischman walk to begin with? I thought he played well. I'll still never understand the Weise/Fleischman/Ehrhoff debacle of last season. Three guys that could have been playing regular minutes, but didn't get a chance.

Why did they even let Fleischman walk to begin with? I thought he played well. I'll still never understand the Weise/Fleischman/Ehrhoff debacle of last season.
- Hank3Henshaw

The way the play works better when the wings are more fleet afoot than him. He still has a pretty nifty shot release, and experience on the PK.

Yeah don't what to start the Q-haters droning on about this again, but...

I thought these three were more insurance policies with the hopes one or all wuld ctach fire and make TT line or another better.

I wonder if there was an injury(after arriving, as Marc Bervgvin would have said if there an existing one) that hampered one or both of the forwards.

Weise didn't produce...goals set ups or effectively meet the transitioning opposition defenders as they broke out...ineffective in a cruical area that leads the group to success, getting that puck back, in the middel and attack zone after the hawk forwards hurry opposition in that "get-go."

Ehrhoff seemed lost unable to physically stay in control and was a clear insurance policy.

Yeah, but I to wonder what could have been...

After we set TB packing, Steven Stamkos, in tears, stated that it felt like an opportunity slipped through his teams fingers, that getting there is never an easy journey.
And if the Hawks did beat St. Louis, the road was still tough, but things broke well for San Jose, in the luck, pucks, and way they played and some playoffs the teams you get can be more easily beat by "your" team and I just thought that the path after St. Louis looked "easy" for the Blackhawks.
(and without being disrespectful, we saw san Jose at their best in a very strong Central & West end up being a relatively easy opponent for the Pittsburgh "Flyers.")

SJ west conference champs...but dontcha think 'hawks would have matched better?

I am not a gambler, but would never bet on a San Jose return even at 75 to 1.

The way the play works better when the wings are more fleet afoot than him. He still has a pretty nifty shot release, and experience on the PK.

Yeah don't what to start the Q-haters droning on about this again, but...

I thought these three were more insurance policies with the hopes one or all wuld ctach fire and make TT line or another better.

I wonder if there was an injury(after arriving, as Marc Bervgvin would have said if there an existing one) that hampered one or both of the forwards.

Weise didn't produce...goals set ups or effectively meet the transitioning opposition defenders as they broke out...ineffective in a cruical area that leads the group to success, getting that puck back, in the middel and attack zone after the hawk forwards hurry opposition in that "get-go."

Ehrhoff seemed lost unable to physically stay in control and was a clear insurance policy.

Yeah, but I to wonder what could have been...

After we set TB packing, Steven Stamkos, in tears, stated that it felt like an opportunity slipped through his teams fingers, that getting there is never an easy journey.
And if the Hawks did beat St. Louis, the road was still tough, but things broke well for San Jose, in the luck, pucks, and way they played and some playoffs the teams you get can be more easily beat by "your" team and I just thought that the path after St. Louis looked "easy" for the Blackhawks.
(and without being disrespectful, we saw san Jose at their best in a very strong Central & West end up being a relatively easy opponent for the Pittsburgh "Flyers.")

SJ west conference champs...but dontcha think 'hawks would have matched better?

I am not a gambler, but would never bet on a San Jose return even at 75 to 1.
- wiz1901

Nice breakdown, Wiz.

I know Fleischman wasn't the fastest, but I thought he had great puck control, generated offense and was a low risk, potential high reward guy.

We'll see how the dominos start falling for teams after the Vesey signing.

My brain is always trying to be the Blackhawk's GM...

and my latest thoughts are, if Vesey was to become Eichel's pajama party buddy, wouldn't Buffalo look to improve the defense next?

I am not at all about making any teams better but it seems they have not yet signed RFA Girgensons, probably because like all teams they need to squirrel $$$ for when their early selected young prospects are going to command large pots of gold. (eg. Rasmus Ristolainen NOW and he is worth it NOW as opposed to bridging him and pissing him off, next year Dmitry Kulikov, and in two seasons, Jack Eichel AND Sam Reinhart...), and they are not going the bridge route, or they will be playing in their hometowns Boston & Vancouver respectively.

Girgensons is a really good intriguing guy, who at this juncture you have to see as a thrid line centre but still carrying upside to acsend the latter if his game improves. He already can slide in and out when needed, but I doubt anybody sees him as a solid top six yet. He is a solid skilled bigger guy whose upside shouldn't be discounted.

And again, everything hinges upon Girgensons' representative...but if in fact the Czech addition and Soupy solidify much of the bottom end on the Hawk dee, and TvR is in fact looking like the targeted loss in expansion, would a Girgensons trade for TvR help this year's contingent?
I am not so sure myself, as I always thing more smart defenders (no matter how quick their first two steps are) are more valuable to teams than forwrad sin the way the game is played.

Girgensons replaces TvR as the Las Vegas departure guy (if selected), he adds heavy & skill.
Again this idea relies on Buffalo wanting to deal over over-paying him, and Girgensons would need to take a simple RFA bump from the hawks, thinking (like Vesey's camp) that his production will warrant a much better deal later...
and the jury on Michal Kempny doesn't commence until we see him in September in World Cup before there is enough evidence he can be a terrific $700,000 bottom pair fit along with the fact
that the Girgensons RFA status probably gets cleared up before their camp starts and that coincides with World Cup...as it is basically the training camp for the stars...
just thinking out loud.

Ehrhoff seemed lost unable to physically stay in control and was a clear insurance policy.
- wiz1901

This was totally weird to me. I liked Ehrhoff in his limited role and he seemed to do really well... until Keith got hurt and Q bumped him up to the top pair, where he seemed to forget how to hockey and looked completely lost. Made me wonder if the concussions did take a lot out of the guy.

NHL Network top 20 defensemen:

https://www.nhl.com/video...ap/t-277774708/c-44493803