Kevin Hayes, who left Friday’s game late in regulation after crashing into the boards, is expected to play Sunday when the Rangers host the Vegas Golden Knights in a 12:30 p.m. game at the Garden. The question is, will he be playing for the Rangers Feb. 27 when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning two days after the Feb. 25 trade deadline?
On January 1, and the Rangers can begin discussions with Hayes on a contract extension. What no one outside GM Jeff Gorton’s tight circle knows at the moment, is whether they actually want to sign the 26-year-old center to a long-term deal.