New Jersey Devils: Alex Kerfoot Could Be Next Jimmy Vesey

The New Jersey Devils drafted Harvard’s Alexander Kerfoot in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft and have hopes to sign the recent graduate. Kerfoot, though, is still unsigned and he might pursue free agency.

The New Jersey Devils drafted Alex Kerfoot in the 5th round of the 2012 NHL Draft. Since then, the prospect went to Harvard University. Now, Kerfoot is a recent graduate seeking his first NHL contract. The Devils want to sign the 2012 draftee but there is a chance he will follow in the foot steps of former teammate Jimmy Vesey and pursue free agency.

Kerfoot might be the next free agent to cause a signing sweepstakes, just as Vesey did last offseason. Unless the Devils sign him, he will hit free agency next month. The possibility is becoming more likely.

Meet Alex Kerfoot

Kerfoot captained the Harvard Crimson in his senior year. The 2012 draft pick notched 16 goals, 45 points and a plus-minus of 20 in his 36 game season with the Crimson. Kerfoot’s senior season was an explosion in skill, as he doubled his highest goal count and setting a new high in points by 11.

The center is a 2017 Hobey Backer nominee, just like Vesey last year, and a two-time NCAA ECAC Champion with Harvard. Kerfoot’s play excelled at Harvard and he has developed into a strong player who is ready to take on his rookie season in the NHL.

Kerfoot clocks in at 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds. He doesn’t shy away from hard play on the ice. The center can skate and has a natural knack for getting the puck in the net. His progressive seasons with Harvard prove that he is ready to keep elevating his play and performance.

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Kerfoot’s above-average power play performance and strength on special teams could become invaluable to any team. The former captain has stong hockey smarts and brings solid ice presence every time he’s in the rink.

A Vancouver-native, Kerfoot could bring any NHL team a reliable rookie who can add good center depth and the base for a very offensive player. Kerfoot is a very naturally talented player and the right NHL team could develop him into a very beneficial offensive power.

A Possible Sweepstakes

The New Jersey Devils want to sign Kerfoot to an entry-level deal but it hasn’t happened yet. Devils general manager Ray Shero stated that Kerfoot knows the team would ‘love to have him’ but believes the player might pursue free agency.

Kerfoot’s exploration of free agency would give him the opportunity to sign with any team. Since Kerfoot would be limited to a two-year ELC, the money would be a nonentity in his decision; instead, Kerfoot must base his decision on team and location alone.

Only time will tell whether or not Kerfoot will hit free agency or not; he has exactly one month before he hits the open market.

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Devils vs. Free Agency

I expect that Kerfoot might explore free agency while still keeping the Devils in mind as a possible landing spot. The Devils could provide Kerfoot with the playing time and responsibility to develop, especially on a budding team.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Kerfoot surveying teams for possible interest. The Vancouver Canucks would surely be interested in a hometown player that would probably swoon at the opportunity to play for his favorite team.

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Or perhaps Kerfoot would explore the New York Rangers, as did his former teammate Vesey who took a similar path last year, with the guidance of his close friend Kevin Hayes who took the same path to free agency.

Regardless, Kerfoot has a lot of decisons to make moving forward. He still has time to sign with the Devils before hitting the open market on August 15. Either way, fans might be on the verge of a player signing frenzy.

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