The Jimmy Vesey watch just took an interesting turn. The Hobey Baker finalist has informed the Nashville Predators he will be exercising his right to unrestricted free agency via  TSN insider Bob McKenzie

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Representatives for Jimmy Vesey today informed NSH their client will be exercising his right to unrestricted free agency on Aug. 15. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TSN?src=hash">#TSN</a></p>&mdash; Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSNBobMcKenzie/status/714613952840343552">March 29, 2016</a></blockquote>

<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

The two top teams speculated to be the front runners are the Boston Bruins, Vesey’s home town team, and the Toronto Maple Leafs where his father is a scout and his brother is a prospect in that organization. While NHL free agenct begins on July first, Vesey will become a UFA on August 15^th.

Nashville GM David Poile was clearly disappointed and upset, calling the news “bizarre” and a “shocker” He believed Vesey was going to play for Nashville, and they were clear they were prepared to play him in a top six role immediately. By signing for the balance of the season, he would quickly burn away the first year of a three year entry deal, if he signs as a free agent in August he will have to wait three years to sign his next contract.

***

Another highly sought after college free agent being updated by McKenzie is Yale goalie Alex Lyon.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yale junior G Alex Lyon, sought after UFA (12+ teams with interest/offers), not likely to make a decision until next week.</p>&mdash; Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) <a href="https://twitter.com/TSNBobMcKenzie/status/714580472542658562">March 28, 2016</a></blockquote>

<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Lyon will try to work the number of interested teams down to a short list of options and then decide whether to turn pro and sign a NHL entry level contract, or return to Yale for another season in the NCAA.

***

The Frozen four final four teams are set and will begin in April 7-9 in Tampa. The University of North Dakota returns for the third straight year after beating Michigan and Hobey Baker favorite Kyle Connor 5-2. UND is led by Canucks prospect Brock Boeser, Chicago Blackhawks Nick Schmaltz and free agent Drake Caggiula. They will face Denver who makes their first return in 11 years. Denver is led by the Pacific Rim line which consists of Boston Bruins sophomore Danton Heinen, freshman Dylan Gambrell and junior Trevor Moore.

The other match pits two powerhouse teams in Quinnipiac and Boston College. BC has played in 11 of the last 16 Frozen Fours and can win their fourth title since 2008. Vancouver prospect Thatcher Demko is leading the Eagles along with 11 other NHL prospects including Ottawa Senators Colin White, Minnesota Wild Alex Tuch and Florida Panthers Ian McCoshen.

Quinnipiac is having their best season in history winning the ECAC regular-season and tournament championship and posting a 31-3-7 record to date. Star player and potential free agent Sam Anas has been nursing a shoulder injury and has been a game time decision in his last two games will benefit from the time off before facing Boston College. Anas looked pretty good on this goal,

{Source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">OH MY!!!!<br><br>Sam Anas with the DANGLE! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NCAAHockey?src=hash">#NCAAHockey</a> <a href="https://t.co/X0KotYo2Qr">pic.twitter.com/X0KotYo2Qr</a></p>&mdash; NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCAAIceHockey/status/714254967331241984">March 28, 2016</a></blockquote>

<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

***

 

The OHL player of the week this week is Carolina Hurricanes prospect Warren Foegele of the Kingston Frontenacs. Foegele has the Fronts up 2-0 in their series with the defending Memorial Cup Champions Oshawa Generals with six points in two games. The Fronts are dominating the Generals and outscoring them 13-3 in the series so far. Foegele’s line mate Spencer Watson was also considered with six points in two games as well. I decided I was not going to mention Watson again in my Ramblings, but I just can’t ignore how dominant he has been. Kitchener Rangers Brandon Robinson scored four goals and two assists to help lead the Rangers to a 3-0 series lead over the Windsor Spitfires. The Sault St. Marie Greyhounds have won the first two games of their series on the road over the Sarnia Sting. New York Rangers prospect goalie Brandon Halverson is leading the Soo with 72 saves while posting a 2.50 GAA and a .935 save percentage.