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Remember all the hoopla surrounding where Jimmy Vesey would sign last summer?
The former Harvard star and Hobey Baker winner drew rampant speculation ad nauseam with every move he made, before ultimately picking the New York Rangers in August.
Vesey racked up 46 points in 33 games a senior with the Crimson and was expected to add offensive depth to an already-potent Rangers attack. So, how has that all played out?
Lately, not so great, as the rookie was deemed a healthy scratch for Friday's contest with the Penguins after what head coach Alain Vigneault called an "off night" for the forward on Tuesday in San Jose.
Vigneault made it clear Vesey is a part of New York's playoff plans, and perhaps a brief rest is what's best for the rookie at this point.
In his last 20 games, Vesey's recorded just one goal and three assists, averaging 12:55 of ice time. It's entirely possible the 23-year-old has hit the so-called "rookie wall," having never played such a high amount of games in one season, but is there cause for concern with his dwindling numbers?
Among all freshman skaters this season, Vesey ranks 21st with 26 points (15 goals, 11 assists), but beyond point-production, his on-ice impact with the Rangers is underwhelming.
Of all New York forwards with similar minutes, Vesey ranks second last with a corsi-for per 60 rate of 49.45% while playing five-on-five, and has a less-than-desirable corsi-against per 60 of 59.81%. (Corsica-hockey)
In each of his four seasons at Harvard, Vesey's goal totals exceeded his assist numbers, and with decreased production at the NHL level, an improvement in playmaking may be a necessity in order for him to offer true offensive value.
Vesey's 0.64 assists per 60 is the worst among all Rangers forwards in all situations, and while seven of his 11 assists are primary helpers, creating offense hasn't been his strong suit in the pro ranks.
It's far too soon to declare Vesey the latest NCAA free-agent bust, but it's easy to suggest he's underachieved in his debut season.
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