I thought I could stay away from his name but that appears impossible. If you watch the web show, you will know that I was over talking about Jimmy Vesey in June. I have no issues with the fact that the Hobey Baker Winner is using the college loophole. However, I'm sick of his meddling parents turning this into a circus side show.
We are now on the verge of VEsey-Day and some reports state that the Isles have expressed interest in the Harvard alumnus. Some reports said that Islanders' General Manager Garth Snow has offered Vesey a spot alongside John Tavares. There are some holes in these "reports." For starters, that’s tampering as he doesn't become a free agent until Tuesday. Furthermore, are the Islanders going to promise a kid with zero NHL experience a spot on the top line and bump UFA signing Andrew Ladd to second line left wing? This makes zero sense to me.
Jimmy Vesey is a nice player but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Vesey was drafted in 2012 which will make him 24 years old heading into this upcoming season. I just think there is too much hype surrounding someone who put up good numbers at Harvard however there is a big difference putting up 46 points in college as an 18 year old as compared to his advanced age for a “prospect.…
I don’t want to destroy Vesey, I just want to temper expectations. I think he can be a top six forward in this league but he is not Johnny Gaudreau. Vesey has the potential to be productive but I would temper projections to something realistic. If Vesey could produce 40 points a year then I think you would sign up for that.
With all that being said, the Islanders will reach out to Vesey’s camp tomorrow. I’m sure there is interest their but from all that has been said already it appears that Vesey’s short list includes Boston, Toronto, Chicago and the Rangers. Once again I like the kid and if by some chance he chooses the Isles then wonderful, but I’m not making him promises that I’m not totally convinced he can keep. Secondly