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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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RALEIGH, NC – JUNE 30: Carolina Hurricanes Martin Necas (88), Carolina Hurricanes Brendan De Jong (62) and Carolina Hurricanes Andrei Svechnikov (37) during the Canes Prospect Game at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC on June 30, 2018. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC – JUNE 30: Carolina Hurricanes Martin Necas (88), Carolina Hurricanes Brendan De Jong (62) and Carolina Hurricanes Andrei Svechnikov (37) during the Canes Prospect Game at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, NC on June 30, 2018. (Photo by Greg Thompson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Carolina Hurricanes

Now, some of you may be thinking: “The Hurricanes are in the same division, never deal a player in the division.” Jeff Gorton doesn’t seem to care about that, as is evidenced by the Michael Grabner trade. 

The Hurricanes could make a nice trading partner for the Rangers, and for Hayes. Carolina is pretty set at the top two center positions, with Teuvo Teravainen and Martin Necas. However, Jordan Staal is only getting older, and could be replaced soon. 

Hayes could slot into the third line center role, or even the second line, if Necas shows he isn’t ready for top-six minutes yet. This could give Hayes the chance to play with some dynamic talent, namely Jeff Skinner (if he isn’t traded) and recent number two overall pick Andrei Svechnikov. 

The Hurricanes have picks, as well as prospects that could entice the Rangers, including Julien Gauthier, Haydn Fleury, and Jake Bean. If Gorton could entice new general manager Don Waddell to part with one of these players and a draft pick, he should definitely be all over it. 

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