Kevin Hayes – Center
2015 – 16 Cap Hit: $900,000
Age: 23
Drafted: 24th overall in 2010
The 24-year-old Boston College product opted for unrestricted free agency instead of signing with Chicago after his senior season. Hayes scored 17 goals as a rookie with the Rangers, but fell out of favor with Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault in his sophomore campaign.
Hayes is a big forward with an offensive upside, but GM Jeff Gorton has forwards JT Miller and Chris Kreider to get signed this summer and there is likely only room for two with the salary cap potentially remaining at $71.4 Million.