Can Philadelphia finish what they started with Kevin Hayes?
Jared Clinton of The Hockey News: At least Winnipeg was able to get a fifth-round pick for the rights of Kevin Hayes. That being said, few players go onto play every day from that slot in the draft.
Kevin Hayes represents a middle-six center that can play anywhere in the lineup for the Alain Vigneault coached club. Signing Hayes would allow Philadelphia to continue playing Claude Giroux in the hybrid winger position. Also, this is something Giroux enjoys currently and has thrived over the past two seasons.
At least, Philadelphia expects to remain aggressive this summer.
Jim Nill navigating through busy offseason ahead…
Mike Heika of nhl.com: Nill navigating through potential landmines this summer will prove to create some intriguing situations. For one, draft and free agent preparation make for many sleepless nights.
“What you’re trying to do is work within the big picture, but also understand that things are going to change,” Nill said. “The summertime is when you make a lot of big decisions, and you try to come up with the structure of what you want your team to be. But you know that by the end of next season, a lot can change, and you have to be ready for that, too.”
Injuries play a role in one way as do draft picks in another. However, the working core in Dallas needs minor tweaking.
Mats Zuccarello remains a huge priority as he needs to be re-signed.
Some not as costly free agents…
Andrew Berkshire of Sportsnet: Targeting players that excel in certain categories and aspects helps the bottom line. Kevin Hayes excels in attacking off the rush better than almost any center in the league. Being a top-30 player in that stat does not hurt.
Anders Lee gets to the net and establishes a presence as few others can. Also, Marcus Johansson transitions from defense to offense at one of the best rates, period. These are players which will not command the “huge money’ but something will be left for them.
Finally, Valtteri Filppula threads the needle on passes like a top-20 winger for the New York Islanders. In free agency, that helps. Filppula stays healthy and that becomes a nice bargain. The winger expects not to command much price wise.