The Pittsburgh Penguins are fortunate. Most teams that win it all will lose significant pieces immediately after winning. So far only Ben Lovejoy and Jeff Zatkoff have been casualties on that front.
The Penguins will be returning their entire top nine in the forward ranks if they choose to keep the same line combinations. Because of this they are not in a situation where they have to make moves right at this moment. The reason I bring this up is because maybe they can make an addition on August 15th.
Jimmy Vesey: ‘’I’m still going to go to free agency and explore all my options.''
— Kevin Paul Dupont (@GlobeKPD) July 2, 2016
Vesey said he expects he will make his decision promptly after 8/15 -- suspects in perhaps 2-3 days.
— Kevin Paul Dupont (@GlobeKPD) July 2, 2016
Like I said Pittsburgh can just chill out and wait for Vesey's decision on August 15th unlike other teams that have to actively try and improve their teams now. There have been rumors about Vesey being interested in Toronto, Boston, and he currently plays on a line with Jack Eichel in summer league. Whoever he is interested in he is playing his cards close to the vest. Could Pittsburgh be on the radar? Why not? Money is a non issue because he is going to get the same contract from anybody he signs with. The Penguins placed Conor Sheary next to Sidney Crosby during the playoff run, but he isn't a lock to remain there. There is a potential top six spot in the Penguins forward ranks on the left side.
Vesey won the 2016 Hobey Baker Award as college hockey's best player. He had an impressive junior and senior season at Harvard
Vesey is no lock for NHL success but considering the team acquiring him doesn't have to use up a draft pick or overspend it is a freebie on the risk front if you can convince him to come and play for your team.
Here are some past Hobey Baker winners which you'll see is a very mixed bag of NHL success (or lack thereof):
Jimmy Vesey, Jack Eichel, Johnny Gaudreau, Drew LeBlanc, Jack Connolly, Andy Miele, Blake Geoffrion, Matt Gillroy, Kevin Porter, Ryan Duncan, Matt Carle, Marty Sertich, Junior Lessard, Peter Sejna, Jordan Leopold, Ryan Miller, Mike Mottau, Jason Krog, Chris Drury, Brendan Morrison, Brian Bonin, Brian Holzinger, Chris Marinucci, Paul Kariya.
How will Vesey fare in the NHL? I like his chances a lot better if he's on a line with Crosby or Malkin.
The Penguins tied an NHL record for most U.S. college players on their roster (13) and set the record for most to have played in the final (11). Ten of the 13 players played at least three seasons of college hockey including Dumoulin.
Why not try to add one more guy to that mix?
Thanks for reading!