Since trading for the exclusive negotiating rights of Harvard star Jimmy Vesey, the 23-year-old's agents have been adamant the winger will enter free agency on August 15.
Vesey is intent on doing just that, telling Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe prior to free agency on July 1: "I’m still going to go to free agency,’’ he said, “and explore all my options.’’
You can read Dupont's full article here: Jimmy Vesey mulling his NHL future
The Hobey Baker Award winner is considered a top six forward and an impact player in the NHL. In his senior season with the Crimson, Vesey scored 24 goals and added 22 assists. As a junior he netted 58 points (32 G, 26 A).
Prior to free agency opening on July 1, General Manager Tim Murray said he was going to use Jack Eichel as a recruiter to help bring Vesey to the Queen City.
Eichel and Vesey both play on the same summer league.
"He’s told me they have a young team, and stuff like that. And that it’s a good place to play, with passionate fans. But he said he’s not going to harass me or anything . . . obviously, it’s my decision and that’s that," Vesey is quoted as saying by Dupont.
Meeting with reporters following a wild day of free agency, in which the Sabres nabbed the top winger in Kyle Okposo, Murray say he intends on meeting with Vesey next week.
"The next step is next week go and meet with him and extol the virtues of the organization and the city of Buffalo," Murray said. "And, tell him how much we like him and we need him."
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
