Hartnett: Rangers' Rookie Kevin Hayes Looks Like The Real Deal

By Sean Hartnett
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Rookie center Kevin Hayes has special written all over him. The 22-year-old Boston College graduate has adapted quickly to the demands of the fast-paced NHL, earning the trust of teammates and head coach Alain Vigneault.

Hayes has impressed onlookers throughout his rookie campaign by demonstrating two-way positional smarts, patience in possession and creative playmaking. This combined with his 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame has Rangers fans salivating at the thought of what he might become in three or four years.

And it's not just Rangers fans who believe Hayes' future is exceedingly bright. Veteran defenseman Dan Boyle recognizes the kid's tremendous upside.

"I think the sky is the limit," Boyle said. "One thing you can't teach is size – and he's got it. You either have it, or you don't. He's got it. He's only going to get better once he learns how to fully use his body to his advantage. That's going to come with time and experience.

"He's built for this league," Boyle added. "He's a big body. He can skate. One thing that sometimes young guys don't have is poise and patience. I think he's got a lot of that. Because he's got such a big body, he can hang on to pucks more than other guys can. He's pretty creative with the puck. He's showing a lot of maturity at a young age."

Maturity is another attribute that separates Hayes from most rookies. Since training camp, he has shown an eagerness to study the example of veteran forwards, including 18-goal scorer Rick Nash.

"I just to listen to what he's saying out there," Hayes said. "Seeing how he's being a pro every day is something that I try to pick apart and incorporate into my everyday life."

Nash believes that Hayes' attention to detail is going to pay off. Through 23 games, Hayes has scored four goals and collected six assists.

"He's a perfect example of a guy that came in and watched what the older guys do," Nash said. "He took it on. I think it's what young guys have to do to earn the respect and the trust of older guys and figure out how they do it. He's going to be a good professional."

Nash said he is impressed with Hayes being able to grasp the defensive aspects at such a tender age.

"It's hard for a centerman to come into this league and understand the game defensively," Nash said. "He's done that coming into the league at 22. I think that's huge for our team."

Back in October, Derick Brassard likened Hayes' style of play to a certain San Jose Sharks star.

"It's kind of a big comparison, but he kind of plays like Joe Thornton," Brassard said. "Same size, he plays the same way — long reach, really tall guy, strong on the puck, sees the ice well."

Boyle spent several years as Thornton's teammate in San Jose. He isn't getting carried away with comparisons.

"It's tough to compare guys," Boyle said. "I've played with Joe for six years and known him for a long time. Obviously, the guy has over 1,000 points. It would be a pretty amazing comparison if he turned into somebody close to what Joe's done. Time will tell. Hopefully, he'll create his own identity."

Veteran winger Lee Stempniak said he is impressed by Hayes' fast acclimation to the NHL. It reminds him of when he watched a young Alex Pietrangelo while a member of the St. Louis Blues. Pietrangelo has gone on to become one of the league's best all-around defenseman.

"Alex Pietrangelo jumps out to me," Stempniak said. "Obviously, he's a defenseman. He's really poised. You definitely see glimpses of that in Kevin. For me, he's getting better every game, more confident and more comfortable every game. It's a really great thing for the team."

When Stempniak watches Hayes, he said he notices that the rookie doesn't make rushed decisions and allows plays to naturally develop.

"He's really skilled and good with the puck," Stempniak said. "For me, the thing that really jumps out is how patient he is with the puck. A lot of younger players don't have that intent. They get the puck and force the play. He knows how to use his body, his reach and his strength to protect the puck and allow plays to develop."

The Rangers are flying to Vancouver on Thursday in advance of a three-game swing through western Canada. Hayes will be looking to extend a four-game point streak when the Rangers face the Canucks on Saturday night. He's certainly given the Rangers and their fans plenty reason to believe great things are coming.

Follow Sean on Twitter at @HartnettHockey

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