Jimmy Vesey chooses free agency over signing with Predators

The Nashville Predators appear set to lose one of their top prospects.

Forward Jimmy Vesey has reportedly informed the Predators that he will not sign his entry-level deal with the club, choosing instead to become an unrestricted free agent as of Aug. 15, according to Bob McKenzie of TSN.

The 22-year-old was drafted 66th overall by Nashville in 2012, and spent the past four seasons at Harvard University. In 128 games for the Crimson, Vesey scored 80 goals and added 64 assists.

As recently as March 18, Predators general manager David Poile stated he was "cautiously optimistic" that he would be able to get Vesey signed once Harvard's season had come to an end.

Now, Vesey, a Massachusetts native whose father works for the Toronto Maple Leafs, will have his pick of suitors later this summer.