It’s clear that i lack playing time with the New York Rangers, and their latest lineup decision seems to have pushed him to his breaking point. After practice on Thursday, Vesey opened up to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, expressing his disappointment with being sidelined for the last nine games and the lack of communication on when things might change.
Vesey’s frustration likely intensified when he saw Jonny Brodzinski, not him, take Arthur Kaliyev’s spot on the third line alongside Filip Chytil and Chris Kreider, with Brodzinski expected to play against the Boston Bruins. Vesey told Brooks that although he loves being a Ranger, the past stretch of being consistently healthy-scratched without a clear role has been “extremely difficult” and has made him feel like he has no purpose on the team.
The 31-year-old forward has played 26 games this season, partly due to injury, but when healthy, he’s been sitting in the press box. Coach Peter Laviolette has opted for younger players like Kaliyev, Matt Rempe, and Adam Edstrom over Vesey, with Edstrom even taking over Vesey’s role on the penalty kill. Despite this, Laviolette reassured reporters that he hasn’t given up on Vesey, calling him “an important piece” of the team and urging all players to keep working hard in case they’re called upon.
Vesey’s current situation is a stark contrast to last season when he played a key role in the Rangers’ bottom-six, even stepping up into a top-six role when Blake Wheeler got injured. He posted solid numbers in 2022-23, with 13 goals and 26 points in 80 games, and averaged 13:37 of ice time. This season, however, his ice time has dropped to a career-low 10:04, which has no doubt added to his sense of being sidelined.
What’s next for Rangers with unhappy veteran Jimmy Vesey
It seems likely that Jimmy Vesey’s time with the Rangers is coming to an end, especially with the March 7 trade deadline approaching. While he hasn’t been a disruptive force behind the scenes—something that could influence the Rangers’ decision to move him—his frustration is palpable. Vesey is a valuable depth forward, capable of stepping up if injuries strike or if the Rangers’ roster needs reinforcement down the stretch, which might give the team pause before deciding to trade him.
However, Vesey’s style of play—a slower, more methodical approach—doesn’t necessarily align with head coach Peter Laviolette’s preference for faster skaters. With younger players like Edstrom and Brodzinski fitting that mold, Vesey’s role on the team seems less certain.
Vesey expressed his love for the team but acknowledged his unhappiness, stating he doesn’t see the situation changing anytime soon. He knows his value in the league and believes he can contribute to other teams, which could make him an appealing trade target for a team looking for depth and experience. All signs point to a potential exit, but exactly when or how it happens will depend on how the Rangers navigate their lineup and the trade market.
Vesey is right about two key points: his situation in New York doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon, and there are likely contenders who would value his experience and depth in their bottom six. As it stands, he remains with the Rangers, the team he’s signed with twice, including after his successful collegiate career at Harvard. His first three seasons in New York were some of his best in the NHL, where he scored 16, 17, and 17 goals.
However, Vesey now senses that his time with the Rangers—and possibly his career trajectory—is nearing its end. As an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, he’s understandably concerned about what comes next. He doesn’t want his career to fizzle out just yet, and with his current role uncertain, Vesey may soon be looking for a fresh start, either through a trade or in free agency. Whether that happens in the near future or not remains to be seen, but his desire to continue playing in the NHL is clear.
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