Jimmy Vesey To Meet With Buffalo Sabres ... In Boston
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- Former Harvard University captain and Hobey Baker Award winner Jimmy Vesey is one of the NHL's most coveted free agents, but until August 15 the Buffalo Sabres own exclusive negotiating rights. On Thursday, Vesey plans to meet with reps from Buffalo ... in the city of Boston.
According to Amalie Benjamin of NHL.com, the first face-to-face meeting between Vesey and the Sabres since NHL free agency began on July 1 will take place in Vesey's home state, close to where he went to school at Harvard and less than 20 miles south of where Vesey grew up in North Reading, Mass. Despite the Sabres owning exclusive negotiating rights, which they acquired from the Nashville Predators for a third round pick at the NHL Draft in June, Vesey still plans to test the free agent market on August 15.
"I think we have a small number of teams that I think we'll really be focusing on," said Vesey.
The Sabres are hoping that the prospect of playing with Foxboro Pro League teammate and good friend Jack Eichel will lure Vesey away from strong potential suitors, including the hometown Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Not only would Vesey be a true "hometown hero" playing for the Bruins, the 6-foot-3 Vesey would immediately fill their need for a scoring winger with size. However, a 23-year-old NHL-ready player out of college is a rare commodity and the Bruins naturally face plenty of competition for his services.
That shouldn't stop Don Sweeney from sneaking around the city during Vesey's meeting. You know, to get a feel for the situation ...
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
