3rd Line Center: Kevin Hayes
The other lock to dress on opening night is Kevin Hayes. He’s made strides each year of his career and has developed into a fantastic two-way center. His play in his own zone has made him a great shut-down center that can also chip in offensively. I thought the line of Jesper Fast-Kevin Hayes-Michael Grabner was the most consistent line all year during the 2017-2018 season. Hayes and Fast showed great chemistry and with Fast’s ability to play on the first, second or third line and Grabner’s killer speed, they were noticeable each time they stepped on the ice.
As is stands today, Hayes is considered the second best center on the Rangers. The decision to start him on the third line allows the team to roll more lines evenly and save legs for the end of the game. Just a reminder, because someone’s a third line center doesn’t mean they get less minutes, it means they’d play more of a shut down role.
Pairing Hayes with Fast and Jimmy Vesey actually turns the 3rd line into a tough (yes, tough) physical line that has the talent to put points on the board while also playing a very sound defensive game. If you’re going experience-wise, then you can flip Filip with Hayes but giving Chytil important minutes with Mats Zuccarello while slotting Hayes in a shut down role allows for a much more balanced roster.