Blackhawks’ Future Friday: Kevin Hayes

October 14, 2011; Boston MA, USA; Boston College Eagles center Kevin Hayes (12) fights for the puck with Denver Pioneers center Shawn Ostrow (26) in the first period at Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Andrew B. Fielding-USA TODAY Sports

• Kevin Hayes

2012-13 Hockey East Stats

Games: 27

Goals: 6

Assists: 19

Points: 25

PIM: 14

Drafted: First round, 24th Overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft

Prospect Profile:

The Blackhawks welcomed Hayes to the organization just one day before they acquired his older brother Jimmy in a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Both of the Hayes brother have size, and Kevin finesses his way around the offensive zone, using good vision and soft hands to open up space for him and his teammates.

Hayes’ awareness  can be a solid two-way forward when he wants to. He is never left out of the play, and if he works on his positioning defensively he could be a great 200-foot player. One aspect of Hayes’ game that he could work on is his skating, and if he becomes stronger in that department he will be a complete player.

Road To The NHL:

Hayes started his hockey career playing for Nobles High School in his home state of Massachusetts. In 2008-09, he scored 55 points in 22 games, and was a member of Team USA during the prestigious Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, something his brother Jimmy did in 2006. The following year, his senior year with Nobles, he scored a torrid 69 points in 28 games, as well as notching 51 points in25 games with the Cape Cod Whalers U-18 team, and two goals in two games with the U.S. National Development Team.

After being drafted to the Blackhawks, Hayes took his skills to the Hockey East Conference of the NCAA, playing for the Boston College Eagles. In his freshman season, Hayes scored 4 goals and added 10 assists in 31 games. A knee injury kept him on the sidelines for almost two months, and his production was limited once he returned.

His sophomore season with the Eagles would be much more successful. Hayes played in all 44 games for Boston College, and scored two game-winning goals (3 total) and put up 7 helpers. Boston College won 19 straight games to end the season, and went on to win the NCAA Frozen Four Championship with a 4-1 victory.

In 2012-13, Hayes was off to a great start with 25 points in 27 games, before suffering a contusion on his quadriceps in February. The injury required a surgery to prevent long-term damage to the muscle, and thus left him out of the lineup for the season. Hayes is expected to be 100% for the start of his final year with the Eagles.

Promotion Probability: 1/10

Hayes’ game is heading in the right direction, and he has lots of potential to be a key offensive player for the Blackhawks. However, with his recent struggles with injury, Hayes’ development has taken a back-seat as he is having to rest and recover. When he returns to full health, he will have to work very hard if he wants to move on to the AHL level in 2013-14. There will be an opportunity there, and if Hayes can prove that he is tough enough to be durable at the pro level, he can take the next step in his development. He may see his first professional action in 2013-14 with a stint in Rockford with the IceHogs.

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