Jimmy Vesey looked like he may grow into a star for the New York Rangers some day.
Out of Harvard, the sturdy winger put together three solid NHL seasons consecutively to start his career in the league.
But since then, he has had only two other seasons of more than 20 points, fittingly both in a return stint with the Rangers.
Away from New York, Vesey has struggled. He was never as good for the Sabres, Maple Leafs, Canucks or the Avalanche, with whom he ended this past season.
Because of that, Vesey now appears on the verge of leaving the NHL for Russia’s KHL.
According to RG.org, Vesey has received multiple offers from the Kontinental Hockey League this offseason while receiving none from the NHL.
Vesey is 32 years old now, but he hasn’t had to go overseas to play before.
He was traded to the Avalanche from the Rangers in March, but he only got into 10 of the remaining 21 regular season games for Colorado.
His 43 appearances combined on the season were the fewest of his NHL career, and he finished with juts eight points.
At 6-foot-2, 203 pounds, Vesey remains an imposing presence, but his best days seem to be behind him.
The report indicates that SKA St. Petersburg has been most aggressive in going after Vesey. Calls have also come from Ak Bars Kazan, Dinamo Minsk and Kunlun Red Star.
Vesey likely doesn’t have a ton of NHL possibility left. Maybe a solid season in the KHL would get him another chance stateside.
But maybe, conversely, it’s a chance for Vesey to once again approach the stardom that he could never quite maintain in the NHL.
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