Report: Vesey narrows list to half-dozen NHL teams

Jimmy Vesey's long-anticipated decision on where he'll begin his NHL career is coming down to the wire.

The former Harvard star and Hobey Baker Award winner has reportedly narrowed down his list to a half-dozen teams, according to Stephen Harris of The Boston Herald.

Vesey's exclusive negotiating rights were acquired by the Buffalo Sabres - who are believed to be in the mix - in June from the Nashville Predators, who drafted him in the third round in 2012. Buffalo has since been unable to sign him.

Set to become an unrestricted free agent on Monday, Aug. 15, Vesey held a meeting Wednesday with his agent and family to discuss options.

"Just to kind of finalize our thoughts," his agent, Peter Fish, said. "We've all been running around doing stuff this summer, but we're finally getting down to the nitty-gritty."

Other teams linked to the 23-year-old are his hometown Boston Bruins, the Toronto Maple Leafs - who his father is a scout for - and the Chicago Blackhawks, but it's reasonable to believe all 30 teams will at least put in a call.

Related: Report: Devils GM Shero watched Vesey play Wednesday

Fish said his client wants to see things through, and is thoroughly considering all factors before making a final decision.

"We've looked at depth charts with some teams and talked about them ... There's obviously a lot that goes into it: The city, the coach, the GM, the salary structure, how a team treats their players in the second and third contracts down the road."