"Another overhyped college bust": Fans react as Jimmy Vesey leaves NHL for Swiss League after 9 seasons

NHL fans on social media reacted as forward Jimmy Vesey signed a two-year contract with Geneve-Servette HC of Switzerland's League on Monday. This marks Vesey's first professional stint outside North America after playing for nine seasons in the NHL.

Vesey's most recent stint was with the Colorado Avalanche, where the 32-year-old played ten regular-season games in the 2024-25 season following his trade from the New York Rangers.

Jimmy Vesey contributed one goal and an assist in his final season in the NHL. Here's how fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted to Vesey joining the Swiss League.

"Another overhyped college bust," one fan said.

"Definitely should be in the league. Great 3rd/4th line guy who can play up when players are injured and great at the kill. Also good locker room guy. Surprised at this one," another fan said.

Here are some of the other top reactions on X.

"Got no respect for player that bounce on the team that draft them. I know they can and all but man they took the chance on you and you wont return the favor...," one fan said.

"Was always his destiny like many from the NCAA. That is not the league that feeds the NHL," another fan said.

"Jimmy Vesey is a valuable NHL player, an additive to any team, casually underrated and he won't be signed because the hard cap forces teams to player younger talent," one fan said.

"In honor of the news, the first time i saw him play was my birthday this year and i was super overstimulated during warmups and i shouted omg it’s Vese when he was in front of me… it was very embarrassing bc he kept coming back and smiling," another fan said.

How did Jimmy Vesey fare in the NHL?

Jimmy Vesey has had a solid NHL career as a versatile two-way forward. He was drafted 66th overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2012 NHL draft.

Vesey debuted in the NHL with the New York Rangers in 2016, after signing as a free agent following negotiations with multiple teams. Over his nine-year NHL career, he has played for six teams: the New York Rangers (two stints), Buffalo Sabres, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils, and Colorado Avalanche.

Vesey accumulated 194 points through 101 goals and 63 assists in 626 NHL games over nine years. He appeared in 31 playoff games, recording nine points and two goals.

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta