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Jimmy Vesey is a hated man in Nashville, it seems. Considering Vesey burned the Predators by defecting from the team that drafted him, it’s understandable that the fanbase might have some negative feelings toward the rookie.
Back at the end of last season, Predators General Manager David Poile guaranteed Vesey — the winner of the 2016 Hobey Baker Award for being college hockey’s best player — a spot on Nashville’s playoff roster. Instead, Vesey decided to test the waters of free agency due to a loophole in the NHL’s CBA that allows college players to choose their destination after four years if unsigned by their drafted teams.
Vesey’s rights were traded to the Sabres at the draft, but ultimately the Harvard University graduate chose the Rangers after he became an unrestricted free agent on Aug. 16.
So, what do fans of a team that got burned by a top hockey prospect do? They boo him, of course!
Vesey hits the ice to rousing boos and a "Vesey Sucks" chant pic.twitter.com/VXVA72wBPQ
— Kristopher Martel (@kmartel_sports) December 18, 2016
I think it's safe to say #Preds fans are not fond of #26 pic.twitter.com/0XqVrzu6Hr
— Michael Gallagher (@mpatrickg5) December 18, 2016
The NHL is apparently full of salt over departed talent today.