New York Rangers Forward Kevin Hayes Keeps Getting Better
New York Rangers Forward Kevin Hayes is Getting Better Every Season. Many Have Overlooked Hayes’ Talent in the Past But This Season His Skill is Undeniable. He Has Been a Standout for the Rangers So Far This Season.
New York Rangers forward Kevin Hayes is finally being recognized for his good play. The 2010 first-round draft pick has been largely underestimated up until now, but his play this season is too good to ignore.
Hayes is currently among NHL league leaders for goals (tied with five others at 10 goals). He is tied for 19th in terms of points (19) with 10 players (most notably Philadelphia superstar Claude Giroux).
Hayes is on track to have career highs and beat out his rookie season stats of 17 goals and 28 assists. Hayes is in his third season as a Ranger and is quickly solidifying the fact that he is an incredible asset to the team.
The Growth of Kevin Hayes
Hayes brought raw and natural talent to New York. The 6-foot-5 forward brought length, movement and scoring to a team that needed it. The ‘then-rookie’ pulled off complicated bordering on clumsy plays that made him a force to be reckoned with.
Hayes has scored goals while defying gravity; he has stumbled through defense or had players knock him to this ice all while still managing to find the back of the net. An undeniable scoring threat, Hayes always seems to pull through when he needed.
Heading into this past summer, Hayes began his offseason training just five days after the Rangers finished their season. The forward worked on his skating, bulked up and assured he’d rejoin the team in his peak physical shape.
Rising to the Challenge
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Last December, Rangers coach Alain Vigneault publicly criticized Hayes’ performance; the coach stated that the team was expecting more from him and questioned whether or not the forward was overestimated. Vigneault criticized the forward and consequently benched him.
This public criticism helped push Hayes’ progress and his rigorous offseason training. Vigneault stated that Hayes confronted him and asked for a list of what he could work on and then he did it.
This season Hayes returned a better skater, playmaker, and a very determined player. Hayes is better on his feet, he is a faster and more efficient skater and isn’t nearly as clumsy as he could have once been.
Hayes also takes advantage of many more opportunities; he knows how to score and he knows when to pass, and his puck-decisions, though always solid, have also improved noticeably.
Hayes began his career as a standout rookie who made incredible goals and drove important plays. Now, Hayes is a producing power forward who has exceeded expectations and is finally getting the attention for his play.
His improvements, though a result of his strong dedication/work ethic, are also reflections of the raw natural talent he originally brought to the table.
Hayes will continue to improve as he matures as a player; if he keeps up the level of play he’s had this season, he is sure to post new career highs across the board.
The Rest of the Season
Last season Hayes posted 14 goals and 22 assists in 79 games. This season, Hayes has already reached 10 goals and is noticeably present among NHL points leaders. Hayes has also returned to his center position more regularly and is posting a face-off win-percentage of 47%.
Hayes is ready to elevate his play to en entirely new level and he’s doing it. Many have doubted him, but Hayes is a solid, productive and highly skilled player. He has brought a lot of skill and creativity to the table for the New York Rangers and his absence would definitely leave an offensive hole that would be difficult to fill.
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Hayes has always been a skilled hockey player and he just keeps getting better. His scoring, plays and skating are reaching new heights this season. Hayes is ready to continue to exceed expectations and become one of the league’s standout players.