
Comparing to Kevin Hayes
This comparison is not to say that Kevin Hayes is on the level of these other centers. Yet.
Hayes scored 25 goals last season, a career high. His 44 points were close to his career high of 45. His faceoff percentage also drastically improved last season.
Hayes already proved he is skilled offensively and he is building his two-way game. If he continues on this path, he could potentially reach the levels of the four centers that were just discussed.
The other side of things is the possibility of the Rangers trading him. The returns the Avalanche and Sabres received for Duchene and O’Reilly should be positive signs for the Rangers. Clearly they had this in mind when signing Hayes only to a one-year deal.
The final consensus is that $5 million is a decent price for Kevin Hayes considering the comparables around the league and the potential for a large return at the trade deadline for him. His value will be even further solidified if he has another 40-point or even 50-point season.