New York Rangers: Five potential trade destinations for Kevin Hayes

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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SAN JOSE, CA – MAY 06: Mikkel Boedker #89 of the San Jose Sharks skates with the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Six of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on May 6, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mikkel Boedker
SAN JOSE, CA – MAY 06: Mikkel Boedker #89 of the San Jose Sharks skates with the puck against the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Six of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at SAP Center on May 6, 2018 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner/NHL/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mikkel Boedker

San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks are another team who could be a good fit for Kevin Hayes.

Their top three centers are currently Logan Couture, Joe Thornton, and Chris Tierney. While Couture is a very talented player and Tierney played well last year, Thornton is on the wrong side of 40 and has bad knees. His time in the NHL is drawing to a close. 

This is where Kevin Hayes comes in. Like in Calgary, he could seamlessly slot into the second line center role, behind Couture. He’d do well playing with the likes of Tomas Hertl and Joonas Donskoi. 

The issue with the Sharks is what they’d have to offer. They don’t have a first round pick in 2019, due to the Evander Kane trade and subsequent re-signing. 

They have some interesting young players and prospects, such as Timo Meier and Joshua Norris. If they’re willing to part with a player such as those two, as well as draft picks, there may be a deal to be worked out. 

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