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Has Kevin Hayes Proved His Worth to the New York Rangers?

By Jessica Joy Curtin

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The New York Rangers have seemed to switch up the roster more often than not in the beginning of the season. Players were called up from the American League, others were placed on waivers, and several were sent back down including Ryan Malone who has had years of NHL experience. One rookie, however, has managed to be a staple in the lineup despite all of the changes made to the roster. That rookie would be Kevin Hayes. And to say that he’s been good for a rookie thus far would be an understatement. The 22-year-old has proven to be a dynamic hockey player even in his first taste of the NHL.

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The Chicago Blackhawks chose Hayes as their first round pick (24th overall) in the 2010 NHL entry draft. The forward then decided to continue playing for Boston College where he won an NCAA championship for being the second highest scorer in the nation. Later in August of 2014, the Rangers acquired the forward as a free agent. Hayes signed a two-year contract worth $925,000 per season, before bonuses, according to the Boston Globe. Has Kevin Hayes proved his worth to the New York Rangers? Absolutely.

Hayes has missed only three games, two due to a preseason shoulder injury and one as a healthy scratch, appearing in 33 contests. If he ends up playing close to a full season, more than what most rookies see in their first year, then he very well deserves it.

So far, Hayes has recorded 14 points with 5 goals and 9 assists: impressively close to a point every other game. Additionally, Hayes has the same number of points as Captain Ryan McDonagh. This isn’t quite a valid comparison to make since Hayes has played in 8 more games and McDonagh is a defenseman. However, the fact that a rookie is logging points just as often as the Captain is eye-catching. What’s more interesting, and a better measurement of Hayes’ ability, is that Hayes is currently +1 above Martin St. Louis and is just two points behind Carl Hagelin. And this is all the while Hayes has had a short average time on ice of just over 12 minutes.

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Also take a look at when he scored goals. His last three were logged in games up against highly competitive teams: the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins and Dallas Stars. If you’re going to score, might as well do it when it matters the most.

Another reason why the Rangers need Hayes is the size he adds down the middle. At 6’5″ and 225 pounds, he is the tallest and second largest skater on the team (Chris Kreider is listed as one pound heavier). When playing against the more physical teams in the league, the Rangers have definitely benefitted from the likes of Hayes. Whether he’s parked in front to screen the goalie, or checking opponents into the boards, his size has come into good use.

The one aspect of the game Hayes is not too keen in is face-offs with a 33.9 FO%. The Rangers’ face-off percentage is currently second to worst in the entire league. With Hayes still at center on the third line, the Rangers face-off percentage will continue to suffer until the forward can improve at the dot.

Nevertheless, Hayes has already shown that he is a fast learner. He’s become visibly more comfortable from his first game with the Rangers; Where he was once second guessing himself, he’s now handling the puck with ease and making smart passes. And when he does start winning more face-offs, expect stock to skyrocket with Kevin Hayes.

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