Vesey 'Pumped' to Rejoin Team | BLOG

Forward Jimmy Vesey was back with his Devils teammates on the ice for an optional practice Wednesday afternoon.
Vesey had been assigned to the NHL's COVID-19 protocol and missed the previous four games with the team.
"It definitely feels good," Vesey said of being back. "It's just part of what we're going through right now and all across the world. It stinks not being around the team for five days, but it is what it is. I'm definitely happy to be back.
"I'm pumped to be back."

Vesey, who expects to be in the lineup Thursday when the Devils host Columbus, returned to the ice Tuesday to skate on his own, and the lack of conditioning and exercise due to the COVID restrictions were noticeable.
"I tried to do some activity, but not much you can do," said Vesey, who had no symptoms. "To be honest it didn't feel great (Tuesday). It felt a lot better (Wednesday) with more bodies and more structure to the skate. I actually felt good today and I think I'm good to go for tomorrow."
With the uncertainty of his conditioning, Vesey will try to simplify his game at the start while gauging how COVID and the time off effected his play.
"Missing five days, I was a little nervous because of the timing and we just had four days off for Christmas, so I've been off for quite a few days," Vesey said. "That's the biggest thing, physically feeling in game shape so to speak.
"I'll definitely try to play simple tomorrow. There will be some rust. I'm sure my legs won't feel great at certain points of the game. That's just part of the process of getting back. It wasn't like it was long-term absence. Hopefully it comes back quick."