In two weeks time, the hockey world will be squarely focused on pending college free agent Jimmy Vesey. Scouts believe the 23 year old winger is ready to have an immediate NHL impact, making him by far the top player still available this offseason. That is, unless the Buffalo Sabres can work out a deal before he hits the market on August 15th.
Here are nine NHL teams rumoured to be in the mix:
Darkhorses
New Jersey Devils - Rumours point to the Devils as a potential suitor for Vesey's services. With plenty of cap room and opportunity, Vesey could easily find himself in a top six role.
Pittsburgh Penguins - The Penguins have popped up as a possible landing spot for Vesey, although cap constraints may prevent them from getting too heavily involved in the bidding war.
Nashville Predators - It's obvious the Predators wanted to keep Vesey, and only traded his rights to the Sabres once they felt he would be hitting the market. Nonetheless, the Preds are a team that could be among the bidders on the 15th.
Philadelphia Flyers - The Flyers are interested in Vesey, but it's unclear whether he's considering them at this point.
Rumoured frontrunners
Detroit Red Wings - According to one analyst, Detroit is among the remaining contenders for Jimmy Vesey. As a team looking to contend while getting younger, Vesey might fit in quite well.
Chicago Blackhawks - Chicago has heavily scouted Vesey in recent months, and it appears the interest is mutual. The opportunity to play on a Stanley Cup contender may be too big to pass up.
Buffalo Sabres - The Sabres have been unsuccessful in signing Vesey thus far, and may look to trade his rights if they can't get something done. Nonetheless, Vesey has made it clear that the Sabres will be one of the teams he looks at in free agency.
The Boston region is home for Vesey, who was born in Massachusetts and attended Harvard.
While at least nine NHL teams are rumoured to have interest in Vesey, plenty more teams are likely to emerge as we approach August 15th.
