Blueshirts in mix for NCAA star Vecchione

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Rangers, who signed college free agents Vinni Lettieri and Vince Pedrie this week, were among the clubs in the hunt for Union College’s Hobey Baker finalist Mike Vecchione, The Post has learned.

While Lettieri and Pedrie are on their way to the AHL Hartford Wolf Pack on amateur tryouts before their respective twoyear entry-level contracts kick in next season, Vecchione has enough negotiating leverage so that he will be able to sign this year and thus burn the first season off his contract.

Vecchione, a fleet 24-year-old center who recorded 63 points (29-34) this year and is the leading scorer in Union history, could play in an NHL game this season. He would, however, be ineligible to participate in the playoffs.

Pedrie, a puck-moving defenseman, signed out of Penn State as a 23-year-old sophomore after having previously played four years in the USHL. The 22-yearold Lettieri signed following an outstanding senior season up front for the University of Minnesota.

Matt Puempel replaced Pavel Buchnevich in the lineup Tuesday against the Sharks, and had an assist on the opening goal of the Rangers’ 5-4 overtime loss. Puempel had been a healthy scratch for the previous eight games.

The Rangers’ penalty-kill unit allowed another goal — the OT game-winner by Brent Burns — and have allowed 12 power-play goals on their past 35 manpower disadvantages, including at least one in 10 of the past 11 games.

Henrik Lundqvist made his second straight start in nets and allowed five goals again after Sunday’s 6-3, empty net-aided defeat in Anaheim upon his return from an eight-game absence.

Rick Nash was voted the winner of the John Halligan Good Guy Award by the New York chapter of the PHWA for his cooperation with the media.