Poile 'cautiously optimistic' Predators will sign Vesey after college season ends

Nashville Predators general manager David Poile is hopeful.

Appearing on Sportsnet's "Hockey Central At Noon" on Friday, Poile said he's "cautiously optimistic" he'll be able to get Harvard's Jimmy Vesey's signature on a contract after his collegiate season ends, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

Vesey was drafted in the second round by the Predators in 2012 and is completing his senior season with the Crimson. He has 23 goals and 21 assists in 30 games and is a finalist for this year's Hobey Baker Award, which honors NCAA Division I's finest hockey player.

The Predators hold down the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference, so if Vesey signs, his first taste of the NHL could come in the playoffs.