Recenlty informed that an analyst at a boutique IB left for a larger firm, should I reach out the the boutique about openings?

I have a LinkedIn connection that recently left a boutique analyst job to go to a larger firm. I know the VP of the firm he left (he's an alumn, we have spoken on the phone a few times and emailed back and forth).

I am considering reaching out to him basically saying if a position has opened up, I would be very interested. It seems as though saying "I saw an analyst at your company left, if there are any current openings I would be very interested", would be unprofessional because of the reference to this guy leaving. But without that statement I am not sure how to depict why I am reaching out to him in the first place.

I do not want to risk the relationship by coming off as rude / unprofessional, because the guy is pretty cool and has been very helpful. Any advice on how to approach the situation, or if i should reach out at all, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Edit: I am a senior at a non target graduating in December 2018 or May 2019 (if I decide to push it back). No IB experience.