as well.Kuemper can become an unrestricted free agent next | Forum
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Jan 23 '18
The New York Rangers offered the right opportunity and situation to win hockeys late-summer showcase: the Jimmy Vesey sweepstakes. Nick Folk Jersey .Vesey chose the Rangers from among eight finalists, agreeing to terms on a two-year entry-level contract Friday that marks the coveted college free agents next step to the NHL. The Hobey Baker winner as the NCAAs player of the year said the Rangers won out because of their intense interest in him, among other factors.The thing that jumped out at me was that they came to really want me, Vesey said on a conference call. It seemed that they really needed to have me in their lineup and it seemed that they believe in me. That was something that I was looking for.Vesey, who had 24 goals and 22 assists in 33 games for Harvard last season, couldve been a top-six forward for the Nashville Predators, who drafted him 66th overall in 2012. But Vesey told the Predators hed explore free agency rather than sign, so they traded his rights in June to the Buffalo Sabres for a third-round pick.Taking a calculated risk for the inside track, the Sabres were in the mix to sign Vesey along with the Rangers, Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins and his hometown Boston Bruins. Vesey said he and his representatives looked at each teams depth chart before meeting to get an idea where he might best fit in.Vesey felt he could plug in right away for the Rangers, and figures to be a top-nine forward, even if general manager Jeff Gorton made no official promises on where hed fit in the lineup.I never got the feeling that he was looking for any kind of promise, Gorton said on a conference call. I think that hes a pretty proud guy. Hes very confident in his ability. When he looks at our team, I think he sees an opportunity to play. I think he likes the fact that some other players that we brought in recently have gotten an opportunity as young players.Former captain Chris Drury, the 1998 Hobey Baker winner, helped sell the Rangers along with coach Alain Vigneault and one of Veseys childhood friends, winger Kevin Hayes, who also went unsigned out of Boston College and had 45 points in his rookie season.Hayes was a big deal two summers ago when he spurned the Blackhawks for the Rangers, but Veseys process admittedly took on a life of its own. It wasnt like The Decision with LeBron James, and the 23-year-old said he didnt expect or want this kind of attention and isnt worried about it shifting more pressure to him in New York.They dont expect me to come in and be a savior, Vesey said. I think Im just a piece they want to add, and hopefully I can help the New York Rangers win hockey games.The 6-foot-3, 203-pound forward from North Reading, Massachusetts, native had 144 points in 128 games at Harvard, so that level of production will bring the spotlight. So will the fact that several celebrities and New York-area athletes took to Twitter to convince Vesey to go there.Darryl McDaniels from Run-DMC, actress Susan Sarandon, Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard, Jets defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson and former Giants defensive end Justin Tuck were among those who tweeted at Vesey vouching for the Rangers. Vesey said he tried to stay off social media this week, but had friends texting him the tweets, so he was well aware of what was going on.They were pretty funny and pretty cool that those celebrities were reaching out to me, Vesey said. I dont think it had a factor in the decision, so to speak, but one of the things I definitely liked about New York was the top-notch lifestyle that the city offers.Something had to tip the scales because NHL rules limit the contract to two years with a base salary of $925,000 and bonuses. Every team could give Vesey the maximum money, so he had to decide based on the right fit.The Rangers have been looking to get younger after not making a first-round pick since 2012. Vesey fits that bill.We have a really good player with a lot of intangibles, Gorton said. Hes got an ability to score, he can make plays, hes a very talented player. DeSean Jackson Jersey . -- Charlie Graham stopped 67 shots as the Belleville Bulls edged the visiting Guelph Storm 6-5 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. Custom Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jerseys .C. -- Glenn Howard needed an extra end to move into the Masters Grand Slam of Curling final. http://www.buccaneersfootballpro.com/Buccaneers-Noah-Spence-Jersey/ . Peter Holland and Brad Staubitz were sent to Toronto on Saturday as the Maple Leafs traded defenceman Jesse Blacker and draft picks to the Anaheim Ducks. ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Minnesota Wild re-signed goalie Darcy Kuemper to a one-year, $1.55 million contract Tuesday, avoiding arbitration with the restricted free agent.The 26-year-old Kuemper went 6-7-5 with a .915 save percentage and a 2.43 goals-against average for the Wild last season. He has played in 84 games over the past four years, posting seven shutouts, and is 3-1-1 with a 2.13 goals-against average in nine playoff starts.Wild general maanager Chuck Fletcher has said Kuemper could be traded, with Devan Dubnyk entrenched as the regular starter. Chris Baker Jersey. Alex Stalock was signed as a free agent for depth as well.Kuemper can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.Center Jordan Schroeder was the only Wild player to file for arbitration on Tuesday. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys ChinaCheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
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