Summer Catch Up: Jimmy Vesey

Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey used the longer than usual offseason to "decompress" following his sophomore campaign on Broadway. It's understandable, as the 25-year-old has missed just five games over his first two years in the NHL.
The winger got away with some friends and spent the summer months home at his parents' house, with a bit of travel sprinkled in.
NYRangers.com caught up with Vesey a week before he heads south back to New York to talk about his offseason training, sight-seeing and his excitement on staying a Ranger with a new contract.

NYR: What's been going on since the season ended?
JV: "I've taken it easy this summer. I think I really tried to use the offseason to decompress and reenergize myself. It has been a long offseason, so I had some nice downtime with family and friends.
Other than that just working out, skating. I think I've gotten into golf this summer. Just taking it easy. I went to Ireland and Scotland. That was a good trip. I went to Shatty's wedding and Florida with my family."
NYR: How was Ireland and Scotland?
JV: "I've always wanted to go to Ireland. My family Irish-Catholic from Boston. They love our roots and they're very proud people. I went with two of my good friends from Harvard. We did Dublin and Galway and then went over to Edinburgh in Scotland. I was there seven or eight days. That was right after the season, so it was more about relaxing and just having fun."
NYR: Later on in the city, you took care of some business with a new contract. What are your thoughts on remaining a Ranger?
JV: "I'm pumped to be back in New York. This is where I want to play. For the organization and the GM to invest a couple more years in me is a great feeling.
I think it's a unique opportunity for all of us to be part of a resurgence or rebuild or whatever you want to call it. It's good that I got that taken care of. I'm very excited to be back with the Rangers and a part of what's to come."
NYR: How's your golf game coing?
JV: "I kind of thought now is the time [to learn the game]. Last summer I got invited to play in Shawn Thornton's charity tournament, which was right by my house. I had about a month's notice, so I thought I should probably start practicing. I went out one day and started. I've taken one lesson and I still have some work to do, but I like it for the reprieve to take your mind off everything. We're usually stressed during the season so it's good to clean your mind.
This summer I played some nice courses. I played The Country Club in Boston and then at Shatty's, I played at the Maidstone Club in the Hamptons. The other day I played a course named Due Process, which was super nice. For not a great golfer I've played some decent places. [laughs]. I also got to tour St. Andrews in Scotland, but didn't play it."
NYR: Have you played with Brady?
JV: "I've played with Brady a couple times. He's a little bit ahead of me. I've got some work to do."
NYR: How was Kevin's wedding?
JV: "It was my first time in the Hamptons. Being from Boston, I'm a Cape Cod guy. I didn't realize how hard it is to get to from Boston. Me and Hazy drove down to Connecticut to take the ferry and got there the day of the wedding. We ended up having to take three different ferries.
It's pretty cool to be invited to someone's wedding, especially a teammate. It was a good weekend. It was really cool out there, nice scenery. The wedding was a blast."
NYR: Have you been following or catching up on any TV shows?
JV: "Right now I love Hard Knocks on HBO. I always love watching that in the summer."
NYR: Has there been a song or album on repeat during the summer?
JV: "Right at the time I was in Ireland and Scotland, Post Malone's album just came out. I took two long flights there and back. I played that album a lot. Definitely still like it. I'm a Drake guy, but I don't love the new album. I definitely like a couple songs. I'm a fan of all music. I love listening to music in all genres. If I had to pick an album, I'd say Post Malone."
NYR: You brought up how you decompressed. What do you mean exactly?
JV: "I probably didn't start skating until one or two weeks into July. I really took some time off the ice, and I think that's a first for me. I'm usually right back on the ice in June. I've taken time off the ice and I think that might benefit me this year. I think sometimes guys skate too much over the summer and they're tired going into camp. I switched it up this summer and hopefully it pays off for me."
NYR: How's the training gone once it started?
JV: "I changed up a lot this summer. I changed trainers. Last summer I lived in downtown Boston and this summer I'm living at home. I'm working out with Mike Boyle, who I think is one of the more well-known strength and conditioning coaches in the US. A typical week for me is going to the gym all five days. I skate Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday with our workout group. We have skates right after we lift. On the weekends or Tuesday or Friday when I don't skate, I've been doing some boxing."
NYR: With the season quickly approaching, what's the excitement like for you to get back to New York and get things going?
JV: "I'm pumped. I think everyone had kind of a bitter taste in their mouth after last season. It wasn't what we wanted it to be. Everyone went into the offseason hungry and we're coming out of it hungry ready to get started. It's a new coach and I want to be ready for training camp to get a good first impression. I played against him in college, but that was two years ago. I want to give a good first impression in camp and I think I've put in a good summer of training. I'm excited to see my work pay off."