Rangers get their man, sign Kevin Hayes

Photo by Scott A. Schneider/Getty Images

Per Danny Picard, the Rangers got their man, signing BC forward Kevin Hayes to a two-year entry-level contract. Hayes, Chicago’s first round pick  in 2010, chose not to sign with Chicago by the August 15 deadline, making him a free agent. Hayes cited that he wanted a chance to play immediately, and it was something Chicago could not offer due to a stacked roster.

The sweepstakes was rumored to be down to five teams on Monday, with the Rangers are among the five finalists for Kevin Hayes, via Picard of WEEI and Mark Divver of The Providence Journal. The Avs, Bruins, Predators, and Panthers were the other rumored teams. After three long days, Hayes chose New York.

In Hayes, the Rangers land a big, skilled winger who had a career year in BC on a line with Johnny Gaudreau, putting up 27-38-65 in 40 games. His previous career highs were in his sophomore year (7-21-28). That jump is mostly attributed to Gaudreau, but Hayes also shot a whopping 19.3% last year, which is simply unsustainable.

Unsustainable shooting percentage aside, Hayes adds another skill forward to a system that is woefully short on NHL ready scorers (having graduated a lot to the NHL already). In 2012, HP had this to say about Hayes:

The Good: Hayes is a pretty toolsy player. Aside from being 6’3”, he’s an above-average skater with notably above-average possession skills—he’s a very coordinated puck-handler with impressive vision. When he’s on his game, Hayes simply makes plays. For a player his size, Hayes’ offensive skills make him a very intriguing prospect.

The Bad: Hayes’ main concern is his consistency. His game to game effort wavers and he doesn’t play with a high level of energy. He could be a little more physical as well.

The scouting report here is a bit old, but the good hasn’t really changed. He’s a good skater, good offensive player, and is big. If his outburst in BC last season finally solved his consistency issues, then he will be a solid signing for the Rangers.

Regarding his contract: Hayes is locked into an ELC, which limits the cap hit. It wasn’t open bidding for the rookie, so he will likely come in at a max salary ($925,000) and max signing bonus (10% of contract). He will be able to earn a lot of money in bonuses, but it’s unlikely he will hit most of them. For a primer on ELCs, check out Capgeek.

As for his spot in the lineup, Hayes will compete for a role in the top-nine under AV (remembering that AV rolls three skill lines and a fourth line for defensive assignments). The top-six wingers appear to be set (Rick Nash, Martin St. Louis, Chris Kreider, Mats Zuccarello), but the third line RW spot is completely up for grabs.

Hayes adds much more scoring depth, and also adds an insurance policy against injury and/or suckitude. Although he’s just a prospect –reminder: just a prospect, and far from a sure thing– he’s a big signing for the organization.

One quick fallout from this signing: It puts the Rangers at 50 contracts (including John Moore, not including Ryan Graves). Expect a move to clear a contract to come.