Jan 11, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; New York Rangers left wing Jimmy Vesey (26) warms up before a game against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

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Rangers Jimmy Vesey Expresses Frustration Over Reduced Ice Time

Jimmy Vesey voices concerns about limited playing time as the Rangers juggle their roster amidst lineup changes.

Rangers winger Jimmy Vesey has been spending more time watching games from the press box recently, a stark change from the past two seasons when he missed just three regular-season games. The 31-year-old opened up to Larry Brooks of the New York Post about his frustrations on Thursday, telling him he “feels like I have no role or purpose on this team.”

“It seems that I have fallen out of favor and have just been cast aside over an extended period of time, I’m kind of dying by being here,” Vesey told Brooks.

Vesey, like several Rangers veterans, has struggled this season. He started the year on long-term injured reserve with a lower-body injury, which has limited his role, including his once-consistent spot on the penalty kill. When he does play, he’s averaging just 10:04 of ice time per game—a career low. He hasn’t appeared in consecutive games since early January and was last in the lineup on January 11 against the Golden Knights.

Jimmy Vesey has reached his Rangers nadir: ‘I’m kind of dying by being here’ https://t.co/Bf9bcPJ5tv pic.twitter.com/h3LDrrtlRO
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) January 31, 2025

In 26 games this season, Vesey has managed three goals, one assist, and a minus-two rating. He’s also lost some of the physical edge that made him an effective bottom-six forward in prior seasons, registering just 14 hits compared to the much higher averages he maintained in past years. While his possession stats (47.4 CF% and -0.8 expected goals rating) aren’t the worst on the team, they haven’t translated into offensive production. The Rangers have struggled to score with him on the ice, averaging only 1.6 goals per 60 minutes at even strength—the lowest mark on the team.

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As a pending free agent, Vesey expressed concern that his extended stint as a healthy scratch could hurt his chances of securing a contract elsewhere this summer. He’s reportedly had disagreements with head coach Peter Laviolette about how this lack of playing time impacts his confidence and future opportunities.

The Rangers likely wouldn’t have trouble moving Vesey if needed. He’s on a very affordable $800,000 cap hit as part of a two-year, $1.6 million deal. With his past success as a penalty killer and double-digit goal seasons, other teams could take a chance on him with little financial risk. However, for now, Vesey remains in a tough spot, trying to find a way back into the lineup and regain his form.

Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Jimmy Vesey

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Anamika Shrivastava

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