LW Jimmy Vesey
Unlike the first three players on this list, Jimmy Vesey is a drafted prospect and should already be in the NHL. That might put Vancouver’s — or any team’s — chances close to zero.
Vesey was selected 66th overall by the Nashville Predators in 2012. He developed even better than expected and after a 32-goal season in 2014-15, the Predators wanted him on their team for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. To their surprise, Vesey said no.
As Vesey notes in his article for the Players’ Tribune, the Preds were not the only ones who were surprised by his decision.
"When I officially announced my decision, everyone — and I mean everyone — seemed to have a comment. Some people thought I must have been doing it to hold out for free agency this summer, while some people couldn’t fathom the fact that I was going back at all. How bad could I really want to be a hockey player if I was choosing to go back to school?"
Now, Vesey goes on to explain why he really chose to stay — he wanted to get his degree and simply loves Harvard enough to choose another year there over playing in the NHL playoffs. But, that does not mean that choosing his destination is totally impossible once he gets the chance.
So, what kind of player is he?
"Vesey is a big winger who is a skilled passer and sees the game well. He is more than just an up-and-down player as he possesses skill and smarts that make him a dangerous player in the offensive zone. Vesey does not shy away from the physical game but could be more active in that area. His defensive zone coverage is inconsistent at times. [Hockey’s Future]"
If Vesey decides to listen to offers other than that of the Predators, the Canucks should certainly talk to him as well. However, it is possible that he chooses to go to Nashville no matter what.
Next: LW Brandon Tanev