New York Rangers Stock Market: risers and fallers 2/18-2/24

Up: Kevin Hayes

Kevin Hayes just keeps on getting better and better.

Even while being plagued by injuries and being deployed in a way he isn’t used to, Hayes continuously finds ways to succeed. This week, Hayes has two goals and an assist for three points in four games. He has blossomed as a player this season and has developed into a reliable two-way center. He is one of the best playmakers on the team and, probably most impressively, has demolished his best faceoff percentage numbers. Hayes currently sits at winning just under 50% which is fantastic for someone who is still developing.

Kevin Hayes and J.T. Miller have been compared to each other a lot. Mostly because with all the Rangers due for new contracts this summer, it may come between the two. If it comes down to that, I would much rather the Rangers keep Hayes. As much as I love Miller and would love him to be a Ranger for the duration of his career, he has his flaws. His scoring droughts can get to him at times and start to affect him mentally, causing his shortcomings to amplify. Hayes however, tends to be fairly collected, even in the midst of a drought. He and Mika Zibanejad will be a fantastic one-two punch at center for years to come.