New York Ranger's Trio Leave Boston for Broadway
How did three top prospects from in and around the Boston area find their way in the New York Rangers forward group?
The New York Rangers most heated, hated rivals are fellow Original Six member, Bruins of Boston. But in the last few years, the Rangers have dipped into the backyard of the Bruins to pilfer three pretty good players from “Beantown”. The Ranger’s Trio in question are Chris Kreider, Kevin
The Ranger’s Trio in question are Chris Kreider, Kevin Hayes and Jimmy Vesey. All three grew up, played hockey and went to college within the Boston area. All three then made their way to the bright lights of Broadway.
Of the three, the only one who was drafted by the Rangers was Chris Kreider,
Feb 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Rangers forward Kevin Hayes (13) during the pre game warm up against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
who chose to play hockey at Boston College, before he tried his hand at the NHL. It worked out very well for the 6 foot 3, 218-pound power forward with blazing speed. His last game in college won a NCAA National Title for BC. And with that celebration still ringing in his ears, Kreider was placed on the playoff roster of the Rangers, as they would reach the Eastern Conference Championship.
At 6 foot 5, Kevin Hayes is the tallest of the Beantown Trio and like Chris Kreider attended Boston College. Hayes was also a First Round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks; but unlike Chris, did not sign with the team that held his rights. Instead, Kevin went the Free Agent route and put himself on the open market.
This created a Free Agent Frenzy, as many teams sought to sign the talented Winger/Center former Golden Eagle. No one had the New York Rangers in the mix, but lo and behold, those fans were correct and Kevin joined his buddy to call the World’s Most Famous Arena his home for the foreseeable future.
New York Rangers Head Coach Alain Vigneault has used the versatile Hayes at both Forward and Center the past two seasons. He has responded to playing both positions very well. This season, he will be asked for even more of a contribution.
Fast forward to this past offseason
The third of out Beantown Trio is former Harvard standout and 2016 Hobey Baker Award-winning Forward, Jimmy Vesey.
Jimmy was drafted by the Nashville Predators in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft but chose Harvard. After his Senior season, he told the Predators, that he would not sign with them. Vesey’s rights were eventually traded to the Buffalo Sabres after some bad blood from the Nashville.
A chance to play with the number 2 pick in the 2015 Draft, Jack Eichel, a former opponent from Boston University, was now on the horizon. But Jimmy did not want to sign with Buffalo either and opted for Free Agency.
The Vesey Sweepstakes was one of the highlights of this summer’s Free Agent Frenzy, as all the “so-called experts” claimed he would wind up in Buffalo, Boston, Minnesota or Toronto. But alas, the “experts” were wrong as usual. The bright lights of Broadway, the friendships with Kreider and Hayes and the fanatical fan base of the New York Rangers, won him over.
Boston has given America much: baked beans, clam chowder, Sam and John Adams, Lexington and Concord. But for New York Ranger fans, the Beantown Trio coming to Broadway ranks as number one.
More from Blue Line Station
This article originally appeared on 
