New York Rangers fans will get their first look at Jimmy Vesey at next month’s NHL Prospects Tournament at the Centre Ice Arena in Traverse City, Michigan. The Rangers released its roster for the eight-team tournament on Monday.
OFFICIAL: #NYR Traverse City Roster. Features 25 prospects including Vesey, Buchnevich & 3 2016 draft picks #NYRTCTpic.twitter.com/n250zexNA6
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) August 29, 2016
The other seven teams competing in the tournament include the Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues.
The Rangers’ roster is highlighted by Vesey and Pavel Buchnevich. The team has taken significant steps this offseason to become younger after aging a bit in recent seasons.
Vesey, 22, was a Hobey Baker Award winner at Harvard University before he became the most talked about unrestricted free agent after he was unable to come to terms on a contract with the Buffalo Sabres. On Aug. 19, Vesey signed an entry-level contract with the Rangers ending speculation about his future. Vesey is expected to be a top-six forward with the Blueshirts in 2016-17.
Buchnevich, 21, was drafted by the Rangers with the 75th pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft but was not signed by the team until coming to terms on a three-year deal in May. The Russian forward played in the KHL in the 2016-17 season for Severstal Cherepovets and SKA St. Petersburg. In 58 games, Buchnevich registered 16 goals and 37 points. He has previously expressed that he has no intention of playing in the AHL and is expected to make the jump to the NHL this season.
The tournament will take place from Sept. 11 to Sept. 15 with each team competing for the Matthew Wuest Memorial Cup.
