NHL Trade Rumors: Boston Bruins linked to Kevin Hayes
With the Boston Bruins searching for some scoring help in the trade market, the latest NHL trade rumors tie them to a familiar face in New York Rangers center KevinHayes.
The Boston Bruins have been battling all season. Despite dealing with various injuries, they still have an impressive record at 17-10-4. and are just two points out of the third place spot in the Atlantic Division. However, the Bruins aren’t content. They’re looking to address some forward depth issues through the trade market. The latest NHL trade rumors tie them to several forwards.
In Elliotte Friedman’s latest 31 Thoughts article, the Bruins are linked to two forwards. The most notable one is the pride and joy of Dorchester, Massachusetts – New York Rangers center Kevin Hayes.
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His name might sound familiar to Bruins fans. And for two good reasons. Firstly, yes, he is the brother of former Bruins forward Jimmy Hayes. Secondly, Kevin played his college hockey at Boston College.
Last offseason, Hayes signed a one-year deal with the New York Rangers. This deal will take him to next summer when he will become an unrestricted free agent for the second time in his career. Hayes was also an unrestricted free agent when he declined to sign with the Chicago Blackhawks, who drafted him with the 24th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft. He signed with the Rangers following his senior season, during which he was a Hobey Baker Award finalist.
Hayes would be a solid fit for the Bruins. He usually plays center, but he’s also capable of playing on the wing. That’s the kind of versatility the Bruins could use. Through 30 games (as of Dec. 13), Hayes has 21 points (seven goals and 14 assists).
This season, he has shown a significant improvement in his overall game. After two straight seasons of posting a negative relative shot attempt percentage, Hayes is posting a career-best 6.5 percent relative shot attempt percentage.
He also has size on his side, which is something the Bruins always like. Hayes isn’t overly physical, but he’s very smart and knows how to use his frame to his advantage. He is also good at staying out of the penalty box and can play on both ends of special teams.
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The way Hayes is playing, the Rangers might well decide to keep him. However, that might complicate things in the near future given their surplus at center. Expect the Bruins to go after Hayes, as he’s the perfect fit for what they need – a guy who can fill in anywhere in the lineup and produce.
For updated NHL trade rumors, be sure to check out our Rumors page!