The forward has expressed his frustration over his limited playing time with the New York Rangers, leading him to make the unexpected decision to part ways with the team. The 30-year-old winger, known for his gritty play and reliable two-way game, is now reportedly planning to leave the Rangers organization, a move that has shocked fans and analysts alike.
He rejoined the Rangers after stints with the Buffalo Sabres and Vancouver Canucks, has struggled to earn consistent minutes on a roster full of talented forwards. Despite being a key part of the Rangers’ successful 2022-2023 season, Vesey’s role has diminished this year, with the forward seeing limited ice time under head coach Gerard Gallant.
Sources close to the situation have indicated that Jimmy Vesey had become increasingly frustrated with his lack of opportunity, feeling that his contributions to the team were being overlooked. His playing time, especially on key special teams, has been inconsistent, and his frustration reportedly reached a breaking point after a series of healthy scratches earlier in the season.
“I love being a Ranger, and I believe everyone knows it. “The six years I’ve spent here have been the best and most enjoyable I’ve ever had as a player,” Vesey told Brooks. “But this stretch where I haven’t dressed for the last [nine] games and have no indication that this is going to change, it’s been extremely difficult for me.”
Vesey was simply warming up.
“It appears that I’ve fallen out of favor and have been cast aside for an extended period of time. I feel like I have no place or purpose on this team.
“I’m kind of dying by being here.”
Despite his frustrations, Vesey has always been known as a versatile and dependable forward, known for his defensive prowess and ability to contribute offensively when called upon. His departure, while not yet officially confirmed by the Rangers, is expected to leave a gap on the team, particularly in terms of depth and veteran leadership.
Vesey’s decision to leave is a surprise given his deep connection to the Rangers organization. Having first signed with New York in 2016, he became a fan favorite during his first stint with the team, making notable contributions both offensively and defensively. His departure now leaves Rangers fans wondering how the team will address his absence and whether the front office will make any moves to bolster the roster in his stead.
The 31-year-old forward has appeared in 26 games this season, with some of those missed due to injury. However, he has recently been healthy and has found himself sitting in the press box. Coach Peter Laviolette gave forward Kaliyev 10 games, mostly on the third line, and Matt Rempe has now earned a regular spot on the fourth line, playing in 10 consecutive games. Additionally, Adam Edstrom and Sam Carrick have been fixtures on the fourth line all season.
Vesey, known for his strong penalty-killing ability, lost his spot on the PK to younger players Edstrom and Will Cuylle.
This shift in roles may be surprising for Vesey, especially given that he seemed to be a favorite of Laviolette last season. In 80 games, Vesey recorded 13 goals and 26 points, largely in a bottom-six role, but also filled in for important minutes in the top-six, particularly after Blake Wheeler’s knee injury.
Under Gerard Gallant in 2022-23, Vesey tallied 11 goals and 25 points in 81 games, averaging 13:37 in ice time. This season, however, he has seen his average ice time drop to a career-low 10:04.