As of 12:00 a.m. ET, Jimmy Vesey was no longer property of the Buffalo Sabres. Now, he’s free to meet and sign with whichever team he pleases.
So, what do we know about the Vesey sweepstakes at this point?
According to TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger, we know that there are six teams considered front-runners for the former Harvard star’s services:
Vesey watch getting the juices flowing. Sounds like Tor, NYR, Chi, Bos, Buf and NJD remain strong contenders, but most teams will call Tues.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) August 15, 2016
A number of other teams have also shown some interest in signing the college free agent:
Count the Canes among teams interested in free agent Jimmy Vesey. GM Ron Francis says Canes have contacted Vesey's agent.
— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) August 16, 2016
Told #CBJ have expressed interest in UFA F Jimmy Vesey. Not seen as in the mix by most, but a willingness by agent Peter Fish to listen.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) August 16, 2016
Told Islanders are right in contention for Jimmy Vesey with other finalists. Close to home. Good fit with young forwards.
— Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL) August 16, 2016
It sounds like the Pittsburgh Penguins (and a few other teams) met with Vesey on Tuesday.
Leafs, Isles, Pens, Devils scheduled to meet with Jimmy Vesey & his reps today, I'm told.
— Mark Divver (@MarkDivver) August 16, 2016
Shanahan confirms Vesey meeting in Boston today, went well, didn't comment on Matthews involvement. Confirms Tim Speltz new Western scout.
— Lance Hornby 🇺🇦 (@sunhornby) August 16, 2016
According to MLive.com, the Red Wings have already spoken to the 23-year-old’s camp and were told he wasn’t interested in being so far from his hometown of Boston.
“We did our best,” Red Wings assistant GM Ryan Martin said, per MLive.com. “We spoke to his agent about depth and opportunity. He said he preferred to play closer to home.”
We don’t necessarily know the order in which Vesey’s camp will meet with each of the teams on his short-list, but we do know his hometown team will get the last word.
Per sources, the Bruins will be the last team to speak w/Jimmy Vesey and his camp tomorrow. So they'll get the last word, at the very least
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) August 16, 2016
All we know for sure is that we still have no clue where he’ll end up at this point. Vesey’s agent, Peter Fish, has already said his client won’t make a decision before Friday.