First it was Kevin Hayes. The New York Rangers plucked the big-bodied center from the free agent pile in 2014. Hayes had previously been drafted in the first round by the Chicago Blackhawks, but repeatedly returned to college rather than signing with Chicago.
Hayes took advantage of the rule that made him a free agent after not signing four years after being drafted, earning his right to sign with any team. As a free agent, Hayes was projected to sign with the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, or even his brother’s Florida Panthers.
When the news broke, however, Hayes signed with the New York Rangers.