New York Rangers: Fact or fiction entering training camp

Fact: Kevin Hayes will be on the opening night roster

Speaking of waiting for a trade that never came, Kevin Hayes is still a member of the New York Rangers as of the writing of this article. The Rangers lucked into recruiting the Boston College alumni following his senior season as his draft rights had expired. In every season since, Hayes has done everything the team has asked of him and he’s only improved as a player.

There was a serious argument that Hayes was the team’s best player this past season when he set a career high in goals with 25. At the start of his career, the center showed flashes of an elite playmaker. As a rookie, Hayes led the entire NHL in primary assists during the 2014-2015 season playing on a line with Carl Hagelin and Martin St. Louis. Then, in subsequent seasons, the coaching staff gave Hayes tougher minutes against better opposition and changed the style of player he was.

The former Eagle’s ability to adapt to different roles and excel at both is a testament to his ability as a hockey player. Following the Ranger’s inability to sign Hayes to a long term extension and the team’s log jam at the center position has fueled speculation that a trade could be in the works. There was an expectation that the front office would trade one of Ryan Spooner, Vladislav Namestnikov and Hayes at the draft, but obviously that never happened.

Hayes is probably in his final season as a Ranger, however, come opening night, I expect him to be wearing his number 13 sweater and playing the toughest minutes in the game. But, come the deadline and Hayes is likely to be playing on a contender.