Turn of Events As NY Rangers Lose Jimmy Vesey For Extended Period

It was only a day ago that the New York Rangers were all upbeat about fourth-line secondary scorer Jimmy Vesey not missing much time at all to the lower-body injury he suffered Sunday morning in practice. Head coach Peter Laviolette even said it seemed "harmless".

Now, the reality of Monday morning has set in, and it's been determined that Vesey will miss “a few weeks” with the injury, which could take him out of the lineup for several games to start the regular season.

Vesey out for “a few weeks” with lower body issue, per Laviolette.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) September 30, 2024

Last year, Vesey contributed 13 goals and 26 points in 80 games in his 12:23 of ice time per night while also handing out 90 hits. This is his second go-round with the Rangers, as his first three seasons in the NHL were also in New York, when he averaged over 17 goals a season, and posted his career-best year there in 2018-19, with 35 points.

He'll be an unrestricted free agent after the season as his 2-year, $800K AAV deal will come to an end. In his career 503 NHL games, Vesey has notched 96 goals and 90 assists for 186 points while averaging 14 minutes a night.

Vesey's absence could open up a roster spot for current PTO invite, Adam Erne, or his 4th-line role could be taken up by one of two giants, either 6'7" Adam Edstrom or 6'7" fan favorite Matt Rempe (who would have to play on his off-wing, however).