In the grand scheme of things, Kevin Hayes has been an absolute steal for the New York Rangers. The team snuck Hayes away from his draft team, the Chicago Blackhawks, after the center’s draft rights had expired. As essentially a free agent following his senior season at Boston College, Hayes had his pick of NHL franchises to sign with. The former BC Eagle chose the Rangers who were fresh off a loss in the Stanley Cup final in part due to a dearth of talent at the center position.
In each of Hayes’ four seasons as a pro with the Rangers, he has gotten progressively better in spite of a lack of clarity.