It doesn’t seem like there’s a single reason why Jimmy Vesey signed with the New York Rangers. Maybe that’s the point, though; the cumulative impact of the Rangers’ pitch and other contextual factors tipped the scales toward MSG.
Of all the pluses on the Rangers’ side, there’s at least one important caveat: they didn’t promise him a specific spot in the lineup, whether it be on an exact line or with any hand-picked linemates.
That said, it sure sounds like they sold the 23-year-old on the likelihood that he’d at least be in the lineup.
"It was an opportunity with a real good player that became available & help replace some of the depth we had in the past"-#Jeff Gorton
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) August 20, 2016
Vesey said there was a pitch video. Did not confirm if Liam Neeson was involved
— Josh Cooper (@JoshuaCooper) August 20, 2016
As much as this is about a great opportunity, it sounds like it helps that he won’t be asked to do too much. He won’t be asked to be “a savior.”
"I talked to the #NYR & their staff and they don't expect me to be a savior..just want to help them win hockey games"- @19Vesey #JVtoNYR
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) August 20, 2016
While the team made a strong impression on Vesey, it’s plausible that his friendship with Kevin Hayes made a difference.
Vesey says he and Kevin Hayes have been friends since childhood and was a big help during the process. https://t.co/6cHRwUjOuB
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) August 20, 2016
For those who followed this situation especially closely, Vesey will probably struggle to be “just another guy.”
The Rangers offered an interesting mix of pressure, attention and comfort-level to Vesey, ultimately finding the winning combination. We won’t have to wait all that long to see if he can be part of a winning combination on the ice.