With only a few days left until Hobey Baker-winner Jimmy Vesey becomes a free agent, speculation about where he will land is ramping up. Amidst rumors Wednesday that the New Jersey Devils may be a favored landing spot, Mark Divver of the Providence Journal reports that New Jersey general manager Ray Shero was at Foxboro watching Vesey play.
The Harvard standout will become a free agent on August 15, able to sign with any of the league’s 30 franchises. His rights are currently owned by the Buffalo Sabres, following a trade where they sent a 3rd round pick to the Nashville Predators.
The Boston Bruins were once thought to be the frontrunner for the Boston-native’s services, but a report Wednesday says that they’re no longer among the favored landing spots. That report states that the Chicago Blackhawks (who have been in the mix for a while), the New York Rangers and the Devils are the three places Vesey would most like to sign presently.
The speculation is certainly coming to a crescendo, but the soap opera will be coming to an end sooner rather than later, with only a few days until he’s free to make a decision.
UPDATE:
New York Islanders general manager Garth Snow was also at Foxboro watching Vesey skate.
Word is Islanders' Garth Snow was in Foxboro for a look at Jimmy Vesey last night. #VeseyWatch
— Mark Divver (@MarkDivver) August 11, 2016