Report: Rangers Kevin Hayes close to returning
According to TheScore.com’s Justin Cuthbert, The New York Rangers coach Alain Vigneault spoke to reporters on Thursday about Kevin Hayes shoulder injury. He is likely to receive clearance to play by this coming weekend from teams medical staff.
Tanner Glass is considered a game time decision with a back issue.
The New York Rangers center/right-wing is listed at six-foot five inches (6’5″) two-hundred and twenty-five pounds (225lbs). If the given timetable holds true, the big forward may join the team when they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets in Columbus.
Kevin Hayes helps replenish the prospect pool after trading away 1st round picks the last couple seasons.
The New York Rangers traded away many of their first and second round draft picks over the last couple of years in various trades to acquire Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis. So when they acquired the Chicago Blackhawks first round pick in 2010 for no more than his Entry Level Contract. A hockey fan in New York has a reason to be excited. He’s exactly what the team needs and he just might play his first game on Saturday.
Talent Analysis
The younger of the two Hayes brothers, Kevin has the potential to develop into a solid two-way forward at the pro level. Like his older brother Jimmy, Kevin has a decent frame at 6’5″ but plays more of a finesse style. His offensive awareness and playmaking ability allow him to create chances and open up space for his teammates. His skating could use some improvement if he wants to take his game to another level.
Glen Sather and the New York Rangers were lucky to get a Kevin Hayes. His size and two-way ability may make him a prime candidate for that third line pivot position. He prefers to play the right-wing but the Rangers need a Centerman and the New York Rangers view him as just that.
He isn’t used to the speed of the game in the big leagues yet and his skating needs improvement but he isn’t far off. With the New York Rangers speed on the wing they can afford to have his size in the lineup at center if at the expense of his skating. Although he’d have to play really well to stay in the NHL for the entire season.
He has competition from J.T. Miller. Kevin Hayes likes to play the right-wing as a lefty. JT Miller who has more NHL experience likes to play the middle but there are question marks as to his play away from the puck and his defensive zone positioning.
As for last night, gig win for the New York Rangers. The defense was a little shaky at times. However, the Rangers stuck with it and got an intense win. Best opening night in a long time. They went toe to toe with a big, tough team and came out on top.
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