The Buffalo Sabres have acquired the rights to forward Jimmy Vesey in a trade with the Predators that sent a third-round pick (76th overall) in this week’s NHL Draft to Nashville.
Vesey wrapped up his collegiate career with Harvard by claiming the Hobey Baker Award after scoring 24 goals and 46 points in 33 games this season as a senior.
BUF GM on trading for Vesey rights: "Why not us? Why not give it a shot? We have a spot in our Top 6 for him. We had four 3rd-round picks."
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 20, 2016
Murray spoke to Vesey's agent Peter Fish to inform him of trade. Fish also reps Sabre Jack Eichel. Sabres/Pegula/Murray will make a pitch.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 20, 2016
The Predators selected Vesey in the third round of the 2012 draft, however he declined to sign an entry-level deal with Nashville, opting instead to choose free agency.
He doesn’t become an unrestricted free agent until Aug. 15, when he’ll be free to sign with any NHL club of his choosing.
Predators assistant GM Paul Fenton claimed in March that when the organization asked Vesey if he was going to sign in Nashville, he replied that he would.
The Vesey camp refuted that, saying in a statement that what Fenton said was not accurate.
Update: