Jimmy Vesey's plan: Harvard now, Predators later

This past spring, Jimmy Vesey wrestled with an understandably difficult decision.

The high-scoring prospect, who led the country with 32 goals last season, could either forgo his senior season at Harvard and join the Predators during their playoff push or remain in school and complete his education.

Vesey opted for the latter, understanding the importance of earning his government degree because, as he put it earlier this week, "hockey is not going to last forever."

"That's something good to fall back on," he said. "I'm going to wait one more year and finish my college season and hopefully sign after the year."

A third-round pick of the Predators in 2012, Vesey burst into the national spotlight last season, scoring eight more goals than in his first two seasons at Harvard combined. The power forward received ECAC Player of the Year honors and was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top player in college hockey.

"I thought this year, he really kind of rounded out his game a ton," Harvard coach Ted Donato said. "He had a huge step forward and it was obviously an enormous part of the team's success this year."

The Predators believed that Vesey could slide into their lineup seamlessly, adding the kind of scoring punch that wavered during the season's stretch run. He strongly considered it until the Crimson's late-season surge and ECAC tournament championship earned them their first trip to the NCAA tournament since 2006.

"First and foremost, obviously he knew that a decision was looming, I thought how he handled himself around his teammates was really incredible," Donato said. "He was able to keep his focus, never really brought his decision into the locker room. ... His ability to focus and really put the team first was very impressive."

Throughout the process, the Predators remained in touch, never pressuring him for an answer.

"They were really understanding," Vesey said. "Since I go to Harvard, the degree is so invaluable that they understood why I'd want to go back."

Vesey could face another important decision next year. Assuming he graduates as he plans to do, the Predators will maintain exclusive rights to sign him to an entry-level contract through Aug. 15, 2016. If Vesey has not signed by then, he becomes a free agent and can join any NHL team.

There have been a handful of instances over the past few years where highly regarded college players have tested free agency. Most recently, University of Minnesota defenseman and two-time All-American Mike Reilly decided not to sign with the Blue Jackets, who drafted him in the fourth round in 2011. Several teams attempted to recruit Reilly this summer before he signed with the Wild on July 1.

Vesey's resume ensures that he'd attract plenty of interest throughout the league, but he doesn't envision that process playing out.

"I have a great relationship (with the Predators), and I think I'm a very loyal person," Vesey said. "At the end of the season, if the opportunity is right, I'd like to sign with Nashville."

Reach Adam Vingan at 615-259-8023 and on Twitter @AdamVingan.

JIMMY VESEY FILE

Age: 22

Hometown: North Reading, Mass.

Drafted: Third round (66th overall) 2012

2014-15 statistics: NCAA-leading 32 goals, 58 points

Honors: 2014-15 ECAC Player of the Year, 2014-15 Hobey Baker Award finalist