New York Rangers: Cost Comparables for Kevin Hayes

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VANCOUVER, BC – FEBRUARY 28: New York Rangers Center Kevin Hayes (13) waits for a face-off during their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on February 28, 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. New York won 6-5. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The New York Rangers signed center Kevin Hayes to a one-year deal worth $5 million. With centers in high demand around the league, let’s take a look at how Hayes’ contract compares to other centers.

One of the New York Rangers’ many free agents this summer was center Kevin Hayes. The 26-year-old filed for arbitration, but avoided his hearing by signing an extension. Hayes signed a one-year, $5.175 million contract for the 2018-19 season.

Center depth is a priority in today’s NHL. Teams are bending over backwards to either sign or trade for a player considered to be an elite NHL center. With Hayes signing a one-year deal, it looks like he may be heading somewhere new via a trade.

So how does Hayes, and his contract, compare with other centers around the league? And if he is eventually traded, what could a return look like?

Hayes’ contract is a pretty fair price to pay in comparison to other centers. If he has an even stronger year than last year, $5 million will seem even better. That will also help with his trade value.

Here are some examples of other centers around the NHL. Two of them were recently traded, and brought in sizeable returns.

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