Observations:

June 2015 – The Former Boston College star had finished up a great rookie campaign with the Rangers. His choice to leave the Blackhawks and sign with the Rangers as a Free Agent paid off greatly for him. Hayes earned himself a spot on the team back to September’s Training Camp and played top-nine minutes all season for the Rangers. The 23 year old forward had ups and downs during the first part of the season, but stepped up his game after the all-star break, and posted 29 points in his last 36 games. Hayes played a lot of a time as a third line center, but Alain Vigneault used him in all three forward position. His transitioning to center proves he is a defensively responsible player, however his future is on the wings if he can’t improve dramatically his faceoff winning ability. He get some playing time on the powerplay also. He is using his size perfectly to hold on the puck, makes creative passes, but he needs to shoot more. It seems likely Hayes will get more playing time this coming season thanks to Marty St. Louis and Carl Hagelin’s departure. He has a solid chance to avoid the sophomore slump, and improve his output. Jozsef Kurtosi

October 2014 – Hayes, the prized college free-agent signing of the summer, made the team out of training camp but he injured his shoulder in a preseason game against the Blackhawks. Through the preseason Hayes played both center and right wing, his performance during this time was not bad, but also did not stand out either. There is a good chance that he will bounce back and forth between NHL and AHL this year if he doesn’t produce consistently in the offensive side of the game. Jozsef Kurtosi

September 2014 – After choosing the Rangers last month, Hayes has centered Rangers top line alongside with Ryan Haggerty and Anthony Duclair in Traverse City tournament. He scored a goal and added an assist in four games. Though he hasn’t dominated the scoresheet and the faceoff dot, Hayes has looked pretty good and can play in his own end. He adds some desperately needed size up front for the Rangers. He has talent and vision, but need to adjust his game to the professional rinks.  Jozsef Kurtosi

August 2014 – Hayes has reportedly signed with the New York Rangers, where he expects to compete for a roster spot in the fall. Currently, he sits behind Rick Nash, Martin St. Louis, Mats Zuccarello, Chris Kreider, Carl Hagelin and Lee Stempniak on the depth chart, pushing him out of the top nine. At least to start. Tremendous upside, but the production progress will likely be slow and take several years to gradually reach his upside. Dobber

July 2014 – Hayes is under Chicago control until August 15th, and as mentioned in previous posts, he seems likely to jump ship when he becomes an unrestricted free agent on that day. The Rangers have expressed interest in reuniting him with college teammate Chris Kreider and Hayes would have a much better shot at cracking the Rangers roster in 2014. There will likely be lots of speculation for the next month until the final ball drops on Hayes’ future. Stay tuned. Matt Donohue

May 2014 – Hayes had an incredible senior season with Boston College, scoring more goals this year than he did in his previous three seasons combined. He finished second in NCAA D-1 scoring behind his BC linemate Johnny Gaudreau, leading the Eagles to a Frozen Four appearance. Upon the conclusion of the college season, rumors began to swirl that he will not be signing a deal with the Blackhawks, allowing him to become a UFA on August 15^th. With the Blackhawks trading away his older brother Jimmy in November and his BC linemates Gaudreau and Bill Arnold in Calgary’s system, it would not be a surprise to see him sign somewhere with a clearer path to NHL playing time. Stay tuned. Matt Donohue

June 2013- The month of February 2013 was particularly unkind, as Hayes was briefly suspended for a personal conduct violation. In his first game back from the suspension he suffered a right quad contusion that eventually required season ending surgery. That was the bad, but before that ill-fated month, Hayes was on pace for his best collegiate season at Boston College. In 27 games he had 25 points and that was only three points shy of his previous best of 28, which was recorded in 44 games. At this time it is being reported that Hayes will return to BC for his senior season before turning pro. Rex Doty

February 2012 – Blessed with great hand skills and skating ability, Hayes is still growing into his large frame. Excels on the power play due to his vision and passing ability. He is progressing nicely at Boston College, but needs at least one more year there. Rich Dillon

Fantasy Outlook: B+

Possible future first-liner, but for the first several seasons you'll find him on the second or third line.

Footage:

Hayes scores on great individual effort 

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