I’m taking this break from Deconstructing the Central to talk about an actual mid-August hockey story in Smashville… I’ll be back with my next installment tomorrow.
65 points in 40 games, that’s enough to get you noticed no matter what league you play in. The fact that Kevin Hayes did that as a senior for Boston College makes it a little more impressive. Granted, playing on one of the most lethal lines in NCAA history didn’t hurt… but it also gave you an idea of what he can do with talented players around him. With top six skill, a big body, the high scoring forward also knows his way around the face off dot. At 6’3” – 205 lbs, Kevin Hayes should be able to contribute at the NHL level.
Now it appears that Hayes and his agent have apparently whittled their list of suitors down, and from everything that I am hearing… Nashville is on that list along with Calgary and Boston. Calgary almost seems like a lock, his two linemates from BC are there, players he has described as his “best friends.” Imagine putting that particular band back together… The line of Hayes, Johnny Gaudreau and Bill Arnold played together for 26 of BC’s 40 games last season. That line that generated 54 goals and 70 assists for 124 points. A line that generated over two goals and almost 5 points per game.
[shudder]
Boston is another viable choice. Being his hometown team and the B’s happen to have an open spot at right wing in their top six. The fact that Hayes is limited to an entry level contract certainly helps as the Bruins don’t have a bunch of cap space.
Colorado, Pittsburgh and New York Rangers are also on the list. And then there is Nashville...
Why look at wearing gold? A couple of really good reasons... Hayes will get a chance to compete for a lineup spot, sooner rather than later. He will have an opportunity to be part of a young core of a team on the upswing with plenty of room to be a key contributor in the very near future. Plus... the lack of a state income tax will make his contract more valuable.
What’s interesting about all of this is that Hayes is being a bit underrated. The questions about who he played with making him better than he is. In the 14 games that he was not on a line with Johnny Hockey, he posted points at a 1.5 per game clip. Nothing to sneer at… Nashville has done a solid job of replenishing their prospect pool and this player would be the crowing jewel of that rebuild.
We have a pretty good idea of what Hayes didn’t want to do and that was to be buried on a depth chart behind Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa and Kris Versteeg. We also know that Chicago would’ve struggled to fit even an entry level contract under their cap. But we haven’t heard much more. The fact is, no one is sure what this player wants… to play right away in a top six role? To have a chance to compete for one within the next season or two? To play with his brother in Florida? The one thing we do know… money won’t be a factor as an entry level contract is capped.
This much is sure… Kevin Hayes is the kind of player that can make an impact in Nashville. It all depends on patience, both from the franchise and the player.
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Random Notes
- Wes Johnson, PA Announcer for the Washington Capitals has called me out on the ALS Ice Bucket challenge… and I have accepted… keep your eyes peeled for the video.
- Big shout out to James “Boomer” Gordon on his excellent Nashville Predators preview on SiriusXM. Finally someone that doesn’t lazily spout the same old same old and dug in for meaningful data and analysis. Way to go Boomer!
- The Fifth Third Bank Matt Cullen Hockey ProCamp will be held from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM on September 6th at A-Game Sports Plex in Franklin, TN. Participants will learn fundamental hockey skills and have the opportunity to meet and interact with the center. Each camper will receive an autograph from Matt and a team photo with Matt. Cullen will be on-site to direct the event and joined by a selection of prep and college coaches from the area. The camp is open to boys and girls of all skill levels from grades 1-8. Cost of the camp is just $53. Register at mattcullencamp.com
- Here we go again… The owner of the Florida Panthers is quoted as saying that the Panthers “current business model is not sustainable.” Losing $30 million a year will do that to you… Seattle anyone?
- Former Predator goaltender Michael Leighton has signed with Chicago
- No location announced for the Winter Classic yet… but Nationals Park appears to be the front runner.
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