Earlier this week Jimmy Vesey’s latest shortlist was announced. The highly sought after Harvard grad narrowed his potential suitors down to the Blackhawks, Rangers, and the New Jersey Devils. For the first time in a couple years a high profile free agent has expressed interest in coming to Newark. Before looking into the factors that could persuade Jimmy Vesey into signing with the Devils it is important to know exactly the type of player Vesey is.

Jimmy Vesey is a 23 year old left wing from North Reading, Massachusetts. After being drafted in the 3rd round of the 2012 draft by the Nashville Predators, Vesey began what would become an illustrious college career at Harvard. After stellar freshman and sophomore campaigns, Vesey broke out as a junior. Vesey netted 32 goals and 26 assist in 37 games. This season Vesey finished as a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award only to be outdone by a certain freshman from Boston University. Vesey’s success continued through his senior year where he scored 24 goals and 22 assist. Vesey was Harvard’s captain and led a mediocre team into the NCAA tournament where they fell in the first round to Boston College. The teams offense revolved around Vesey and he was the most valuable player in the NCAA. This didn’t go unnoticed as Vesey was awarded the Hoby Baker.

As a player Jimmy Vesey is a skilled scoring winger. His major tools are his deking ability and shot. He certainly profiles as more of a goal scorer than a playmaker. An above average skater with balance and strength, Vesey was able to take over games at the collegiate level. As an overaged rookie Vesey profiles as a skilled depth forward probably slotting in on the middle 6 of most teams. Vesey can’t be counted on to single handedly drive a teams offense but can certainly add to it.

So why does Vesey want to come to New Jersey? A big plus can be guaranteed ice time and a role on the 2nd or 3rd line. The Devils certainly have more spots available in their top 6 than the Rangers and Blackhawks. Another reason is Vesey’s linemate and roommate, Alexander Kerfoot, is in the Devils organization and hopes to join Vesey on the big clubs roster in the near future.

So the final verdict on Jimmy Vesey is he is a skilled young forward who can bolster the leagues worst offense, but if he choses another team it is not the end of the world. He is most likely never going to be a top line scorer but he will give teams depth scoring in the middle of their lineup. Depth scoring is becoming more and more important especially with the Penguins utilizing a deep roster of skilled forwards in their cup run. Vesey is a nice piece and would push the Devils in the right direction, but he won’t make them cup contenders.