Predators trade Jimmy Vesey's rights to Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres have acquired the rights to forward Jimmy Vesey from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2016 Draft, the Sabres announced.

The 2016 Hobey Baker Award winner - as the NCAA's best player - was originally selected by the Predators in 2012, but made headlines this season after stating he would not sign with the club, electing to become a free agent on Aug. 15.

Vesey has spent the past four years playing at Harvard, where he posted his second-most productive season this year collecting 24 goals and 46 points in 33 games.

He told reporters in May that he felt his hometown Boston Bruins would be among the teams on his list of potential places to sign.

The Sabres will now have exclusive negotiating rights with Vesey on a potential contract.