The New York Rangers are reportedly exploring trade options for veteran winger Jimmy Vesey, according to Arthur Staple of The Athletic. Vesey joins Chris Kreider and former captain Jacob Trouba—who was recently traded—as notable players included in a trade memo sent to other NHL teams last month. Vesey has been on the trade block for over a month, signaling the Rangers’ willingness to consider moving on from the depth winger as part of a broader effort to shake up their roster.
Last season, Vesey delivered a respectable performance, tallying 13 goals and 13 assists across 80 games despite averaging just 12:23 of ice time per game. For a depth scorer, this level of production was solid, especially considering his salary was only $25,000 above the NHL league minimum. It was Vesey’s best offensive output since the 2018-19 season, which marked the end of his first stint with the Rangers. His ability to contribute at a low cost made him a valuable asset for the team during the 2023-24 campaign.
However, Vesey’s second year under his current contract has been less successful. This season, the 31-year-old winger has appeared in only 19 of the Rangers’ 34 games, missing time due to a lower-body injury and several instances of being a healthy scratch. His production has also dipped significantly, with just three goals and one assist to his name so far. Vesey’s average ice time has fallen below 10 minutes per game, a stark decrease from last season, and his shorthanded playing time has dropped by more than 75%.
These struggles have undoubtedly diminished Vesey’s trade value. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Vesey will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Given his current form, any return the Rangers receive for him in a potential trade is likely to be minimal—likely a late-round draft pick or another low-cost depth player. Despite this, Rangers General Manager Chris Drury seems committed to reshaping the roster, which includes moving not only high-profile veterans like Kreider but also lesser-used players like Vesey.
Vesey’s situation reflects the Rangers’ larger issues as they try to navigate a challenging season. After starting with high expectations, the team has struggled to find consistency, and roster changes appear inevitable. While Vesey’s contributions last year provided excellent value for his salary, his reduced role and lack of production this season have made him expendable. Moving him could provide the Rangers with a chance to reset and free up a roster spot, even if the return in a trade might not be significant.
As the NHL trade deadline approaches, Vesey’s future with the Rangers remains uncertain. His status as a depth player with past success might make him an intriguing option for teams looking for affordable, experienced talent to bolster their bottom six. However, his early-season struggles could deter potential suitors or limit the offers the Rangers receive.
Overall, Vesey’s trade candidacy highlights the Rangers’ intent to revamp their roster amid a disappointing campaign. By putting both marquee players and lower-profile contributors like Vesey on the trade block, the organization is signaling a willingness to explore all options in pursuit of improvement. Whether Vesey will find himself with a new team or finish out the season with the Rangers remains to be seen.
