Ex-Harvard captain and draftee of the Nashville Predators, Jimmy Vesey signed with the New York Rangers last week. Vesey had the opportunity to dress for the playoffs last season with the Predators and opted out. In addition he declined and entry level deal with the Predators who then traded his rights to the Buffalo Sabres. Vesey utilized a loophole in the CBA (collective bargaining agreement) from the NHLPA (National Hockey League Players Association) to explore free agency rather than signing with the team that owns their rights.
With Vesey having 5 years of ACHA D2 eligibility the Pipers Club team was all in to recruit the high level prospect. When August 15th rolled around and Vesey was allowed to have contact with other organizations the meetings began. The Pipers Club put together their best package together but about a week later Vesey announced that he was signing with the Rangers.
What does this mean for Hamline? The Pipers still have solid depth on wing including Junior Max Rasmussen and Matt Schwartz and sophomores Brendan Shanley and Tom Montinero. It is easy to get caught up in the Vesey hype but at the end of the day the Pipers are still a solid team that is looking to make a playoff push this upcoming season.