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New York Rangers: Five potential trades involving Kevin Hayes

By John Williams

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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BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 30: Juuso Välimäki #6 of Finland skates the puck up ice with Samuel Solenský #23 of Slovakia applying pressure during the second period of play in the IIHF World Junior Championships at the KeyBank Center on December 30, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Nicholas T. LoVerde/Getty Images) *** Samuel Solenský; Juuso Välimäki
BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 30: Juuso Välimäki #6 of Finland skates the puck up ice with Samuel Solenský #23 of Slovakia applying pressure during the second period of play in the IIHF World Junior Championships at the KeyBank Center on December 30, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Nicholas T. LoVerde/Getty Images) *** Samuel Solenský; Juuso Välimäki /

Calgary Flames

The offer: Kevin Hayes, 2019 fifth round pick for Juuso ValimakI, 2019 third round pick

The Flames don’t have many NHL roster players that the Rangers would covet at this time outside of Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and Noah Hanifin, all players that the Flames won’t be moving any time soon. Their best trade chip, at least in the Rangers’ case, is not in the NHL yet.

Defenseman Juuso ValimakI was the 16th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. He’s spent his last few years with the WHL’s Tri-City Americans, where he’s tore the league up offensively. His 6-foot-2 frame has caused problems for those defending him, and forwards trying to get the puck past him, Valimaki is great at using his size and speed to his advantage.

Valimaki is the Flames’ most NHL ready prospect, too, and could suit up for the team as early as opening night.

The Rangers certainly would be asking for too much if they requested the Finn and a first round pick from the Flames. However, if they were to swap a mid-round pick for a third round pick here, maybe a deal could be worked out.

The Flames have said they’re in the market for a dynamic top-six center. Hayes would probably push them to contender status in the west. Is he worth giving up a blue-chip prospect for? Maybe we’ll find out.

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