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New York Rangers: Jimmy Vesey Hopes to Avoid Sophomore Slump

By Alyssa Naimoli

OTTAWA, ON - MAY 6: Jimmy Vesey #26 of the New York Rangers celebrates his third period goal against the Ottawa Senators with teammates Marc Staal #18, Brendan Smith #42 and Rick Nash #61 after it was initially deemed to be a no goal in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre on May 6, 2017 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - MAY 6: Jimmy Vesey #26 of the New York Rangers celebrates his third period goal against the Ottawa Senators with teammates Marc Staal #18, Brendan Smith #42 and Rick Nash #61 after it was initially deemed to be a no goal in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Canadian Tire Centre on May 6, 2017 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images) /
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No NHL player wants to face the dreaded Sophomore Slump. New York Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey is powering through his offseason, hoping to post new career highs in his second season.

Jimmy Vesey was one of three rookie talents for the New York Rangers last season. The Harvard grad posted 16 goals and 27 points in 80 games in his rookie season but is looking up for the coming season.

Vesey displayed solid two-way play in his rookie debut. The forward flashed his offensive talent and potential, while reminding the NHL he knows how to deliver a hard hit and drop the gloves when he needs to.

Now, Vesey is looking ahead to his sophomore season and is determined to exceed expectations. He is currently joining teammate and close friend Kevin Hayes in an offseason training routine. This should help ensure he avoids the dread sophomore slump.

Offseason Training to The Max

Vesey and Hayes have been very dedicatedly training in Boston during their offseason thus far. Not only are the two forwards practicing their skating and puck handling, these players are assuring their strength is improving.

Complete with boxing, strength and endurance training, this workout regime is getting Vesey and Hayes to the top of their game. Hockey players know how to train, but these New York Rangers are taking offseason to a new level.

In addition to a workout regime with minimal time off, Vesey and Hayes are playing in the Foxboro Pro League. This kind of training will keep the forwards in the motions of their game and will boost the skills they bring to the rink. Vesey’s training thus far is likely going to make him a stronger player. Having a dedicated workout and a continued practice of the game is everything a player needs to improve his performance.

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Saying ‘No’ to the Sophomore Slump

Vesey is a powerful and skilled player. Coming from the NCAA, Vesey had to adjust to the rigorous 82 game NHL season. However, his second year will be different.

The 24 year old knows how to control the puck and produce offense. His two-way play became increasingly stronger through the season and his hockey sense continued to grow. Vesey has even more skill than his numbers show and his second year will prove it.

Training will help a player develop and tackle a tough NHL season. Vesey knows that the offseason work he does now will directly contribute to his power during the season. Avoiding the sophomore slump isn’t as difficult if you prepare.

Shoes To Fill

It isn’t surprising to see Hayes and Vesey boosting their training in the offseason. Hayes has a second line center roll to fill and won’t show up to the season any inch short of over-prepared. Vesey is on the verge of his second NHL season and has a lot more to his game that he is ready to unleash.

These two young forwards are headed into big seasons and their offseason work is all the preparation. While training won’t completely do the work, this kind of offseason preparation can propel a player into their potential faster.

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Vesey has motivation on his side, heading into a contract season. Anyone who has seen Vesey play knows that he is just a few minutes shy of a breakout once he reaches the necessary level of comfort. This player knows how to put forward his best game. His second year is going to do exactly that.

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