After two busy days of interviews with National Hockey League coaches, GMs, even players, prized Harvard unrestricted free agent Jimmy Vesey has a lot to think about.
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DiPauli does not have the type of offensive numbers that Vesey posted in college, but his performance the last four years has not gone unnoticed by National Hockey League scouts based upon the reported interest he is now receiving.
Other high-profile Rangers fans, many of whom regularly attend games at Madison Square Garden, flooded the highly touted forward with pitches about why he should join the Rangers.
Numerous local athletes reached out to Vesey, including Noah Syndergaard of the New York Mets, Muhammad Wilkerson of the New York Jets and former Giants defensive end Justin Tuck.
Celebrity chef Anne Burrell and “Entourage” actor Jerry Ferrara also made pitches to Vesey, and Burrell even offered the recent Harvard University graduate a specialty dish upon his arrival. Last season with the Fighting Irish, DiPauli had his best season offensively, skating in 37 games and tallying career-highs in goals (14) and points (32).
The 23-year-old former Harvard Crimson forward became an unrestricted free agent Tuesday when his deadline to sign with the Buffalo Sabres – the team that owned his draft rights – passed. The Sabres held exclusive negotiating rights with Vesey until Tuesday. That’s about a seven hour drive-but is that close enough for Vesey?
Vesey also met with the Devils, Blackhawks, Rangers, Islanders, Maple Leafs and Penguins over the last two days.
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Mark Divver reports that Wednesday brought Chicago, Boston and the New York Rangers to speak with the free agent.
