Blog Archives
Rangers preseason continues with game against the Devils; Vesey to start
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of MSG Photos.
After a win in the first preseason contest against the Islanders, the Rangers host the Devils tonight at Madison Square Garden as the team continues to look at players fighting for roster spot and their roles in the regular season.
The Rangers announced the lines and defensive pairings the other day, and the top line is the most intriguing. Jimmy Vesey will make his first appearance with the team on the left wing. Kevin Hayes will center that line, and Rick Nash will play on the right. Read the rest of this entry
Reasonable expectations for the Rangers 2016-17 Season
Bobby Bevilacqua
Before the offseason started, there were talks about Jeff Gorton and the Rangers doing some minor tinkering and potentially entering the first phase of a rebuild. The team looked to have some major flaws and holes, an aging blue line and issues to address before opening night.
But Gorton made a lot of small, smart depth signings during Free Agent Frenzy, a trade for Mika Zibanejad, brought aboard a highly coveted NCAA prospect in Jimmy Vesey, and even made some changes to the coaching staff and management.
The moves made in the offseason show that the Rangers aren’t looking to rebuild and exit the first round this season, they’re looking to contend. Read the rest of this entry
Brandon Pirri signs one year deal with the Rangers; A sign of a trade to come?
Bobby Bevilacqua
Photo courtesy of the Florida Panthers.
Jeff Gorton made another clever depth signing, adding to the already impressive group of forwards he’s assembled. Former Florida Panther Brandon Pirri has inked a one year deal with the Rangers worth $1.1 million, and could factor into the middle of their lineup.
Pirri split time with the Panthers and Ducks this season, scoring 14 goals with 15 assists in a total of 61 games. Back in the 2-14-15 season, he scored an impressive 22 goals in just 49 games, playing mostly with Jimmy Hayes and Vincent Trochek.
It’s important to note that he did bounce around the lineup this past season, never really settling into a set spot on a line or with teammates. He’s not a lock to score 20 goals again, but in a more solidified role, Pirri could see his offensive production increase. Read the rest of this entry
Jimmy Vesey provides upside, balance to the Rangers forward group
Bobby Bevilacqua
For the second time in two years, the Rangers managed to sign the best college free agent on the market, signing Harvard captain Jimmy Vesey to an entry level contract last night and adding the 23 year old to their already impressive group of young forwards.
Looking at the potential roster for next season, Alain Vigneault will employ four lines full of young talent; Derek Stepan (26), Josh Jooris (26), Chris Kreider (25), Oscar Lindberg (24), Jesper Fast (24), Kevin Hayes (24), Jimmy Vesey (23), Mika Zibanejad (23), JT Miller (23), and Pavel Buchnevich (21). For a team that’s sometimes criticized for having “no future” or who’s “window is closed,” the Rangers are looking pretty damn good heading into next season.
Vesey wrapped up his senior season at Harvard, scoring 24 goals with 22 assists for 46 points in just 33 games. He won the Hobey Baker award after finishing as a runner up for the 2014-15 season, when he established career highs in games played (37), goals (32), assists (26), and points (58). Read the rest of this entry
BREAKING: Rangers agree to terms with Free Agent forward Jimmy Vesey
Bobby Bevilacqua
#VeseyWatch is over, and the 2016 Hobey Baker award winner is coming to Madison Square Garden.
In a somewhat shocking move, the Rangers have agreed to terms on a three year Entry Level Contract with Jimmy Vesey, the highly coveted forward out of Harvard University. Originally selected by the Nashville Predators in the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft, Vesey decided to test free agency and choose where he would begin his career.
Luckily for us Rangers fans, Vesey decided to come to New York and join a promising young forward corps that’s suddenly become deeper and full of youth and talent. Two months ago, everyone was worried about the Rangers’ bottom six and supplementary scoring. And now, the third line heading into opening night could be Jimmy Vesey, Kevin Hayes and Pavel Buchnevich. Talk about a turnaround. Read the rest of this entry
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