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New York Rangers: Five potential trade destinations for Kevin Hayes

By Peter Reichert

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 03: New York Rangers center Kevin Hayes (13) skates during the second period of the National Hockey League Game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers on April 3, 2018, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 03: New York Rangers center Kevin Hayes (13) skates during the second period of the National Hockey League Game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers on April 3, 2018, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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NEWARK, NJ – APRIL 03: New York Rangers center Kevin Hayes (13) skates during the second period of the National Hockey League Game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers on April 3, 2018, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ – APRIL 03: New York Rangers center Kevin Hayes (13) skates during the second period of the National Hockey League Game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers on April 3, 2018, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The New York Rangers currently have a glut of centers. While depth is always a good problem to have, the Rangers could consider trading one of their centers. One such player could be Kevin Hayes. 

The New York Rangers signed Kevin Hayes out of Boston College back in the 2014 offseason after he refused to sign with the Chicago Blackhawks, the team that drafted him. Hayes made the team or of camp, and has been here ever since. 

As a rookie, Hayes impressed with 17 goals and 45 points. His sophomore season saw him take a bit of a step back, as he posted 14 goals and 36 points. His third year saw him put up 17 goals and 49 points, a career high. 

While Hayes originally played a primarily offensive role, former head coach Alain Vigneault decided to try and turn him into a shutdown center. Oddly enough, it worked. 

While the New York Rangers were absolutely atrocious last year, Hayes was a real bright spot. He scored 25 goals and had 44 points despite starting 57.3 percent of his shifts in the defensive zone. 

Hayes is a very talented player, who should thrive under new head coach David Quinn. However, rumors circulated around the Draft that he could be moved, and teams were interested. But, nothing happened and Hayes is still here. 

Despite this, there is definitely still interest in Kevin Hayes from other teams around the league. With that being said, let’s take a look at five potential trade partners for Kevin Hayes. 

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