The New York Rangers knew that a one year deal with Kevin Hayes would eventually present a difficult decision. The solution is becoming hard to ignore: trading Hayes is the way to go.
When Kevin Hayes was signed by the New York Rangers to a one year deal, the issue of a long-term plan became prevalent right away. One of the hardest questions to answer was this: does Kevin Hayes provide more value to the team as a trade piece, or as a roster player?
Of course, the answer to that question was largely dependent on how Hayes performed this season. Though clearly a player with a very apparent high level of skill, Hayes had yet to top the 50 point mark in his career.
Where Hayes made himself valuable was the defensive zone. Hayes has become the Rangers best two way forward, being sublimely reliable defensively while also being immensely gifted offensively, scoring many of his career points in the primary fashion.
This season, Hayes appears to finally be breaking out as a true offensive threat as well. With 26 points in 32 games, Hayes is pacing not only to break the 50 point mark for the first time, but the 60 point mark as well.
With all that said, it may seem strange to say that Hayes may best serve the team as a trade chip. However, he does; perhaps because of that, rather than in spite of it.
Why Trade Hayes?
Of course, dealing Kevin Hayes is a massive risk. The Rangers obviously don’t want to come out on the losing end of a deal involving him, or a contract extension for that matter. Such is the nature of being a general manager, though. Every choice is a risk; it boils down to choosing the correct one.
Kevin Hayes is a fixture now on the Rangers, and parting with him would be extremely difficult. However, the question must be asked: although he is on pace for a career-high 66 points this season, as someone who had not previously topped 50, what are the odds he will continue playing at this level throughout the duration of a contract extension?
Right now, Hayes’ value is as high as it has ever been, and perhaps that it will ever be. If a team looking to make a Cup run wanted a cheap option to bolster their forward group at the deadline and was willing to pay a large price for him, the rebuilding Rangers would be remiss to decline such an offer.
There is also the pending unrestricted free agent factor. Theoretically, the Rangers can deal him now, perhaps at a smaller price, and then re-sign him over the summer. Though this is unlikely and does not happen often, it is still possible.
As it stands, though, the Rangers could potentially acquire a good prospect and a first round pick for Kevin Hayes, especially if he goes to a team that plans to extend him. The possibility of two talented youths coming to the Rangers at the expense of Hayes is much too tantalizing to turn down, especially for a team that likely will not compete for a Cup again for at least another year.
The focus of this season is, and should always have been, rebuilding. Some players must go at the cost of a rebuild. When trading players during a rebuild, especially those under the age of 30, their worth to the team as a trade asset vs. as a roster player must be deeply examined.
Right now, with the Rangers team being what it is, dealing Hayes at his highest value is the obvious best decision. So long as those pieces obtained in return are dealt with properly, and their value maximized, there won’t be any regrets.