Blue Line Station
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New York Rangers stock market: End of season blues

By Victoria Ranieri

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 28: New York Rangers Center Kevin Hayes (13) in action during the first period of a regular season NHL game between the Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers on November 28, 2017, at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by David Hahn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 28: New York Rangers Center Kevin Hayes (13) in action during the first period of a regular season NHL game between the Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers on November 28, 2017, at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. (Photo by David Hahn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Up: Kevin Hayes

In a week marred by poor play, Kevin Hayes has been a bright spot.

The 25 year old forward scored two goals this week, being one of only two players to find the back of the net this week. He brought his goal total up to a carer high 25 goals, in addition to 19 assists, giving him 44 points on the year. While I still don’t think he has lived up to his full potential, Hayes has shown multiple flashes of the player he can be. His recent chemistry with Ryan Spooner shows just how much of an offensive touch he has.

Hayes is top priority for being re-signed this off season. He will be 26 at the start of next season and will just be entering his prime. If this season is an indication of what’s to come, Hayes needs to locked up long term. I believe it is still possible to sign Hayes to a team friendly deal. The Rangers have ample enough cap space to pay their RFA’s and can both make Hayes and management happy.

As young as he still is, Hayes has been in the NHL for four years and has veteran playoff experience. He would be a great mentor to younger players all while growing himself as a player. Hayes could even make a fine assistant captain in the near future.

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