Well, in the end, Kevin Hayes chose another team (New York Rangers), and not the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Hayes’ brother, Jimmy, confirmed the signing via Twitter.
Congrats to my little brother @KevinPHayes12 on signing with the @NYRangers today #nhl #proudbigbrother
— Jimmy Hayes (@Jimmy10Hayes) August 20, 2014
While Pittsburgh was rumored to be one of the five finalists to sign the 2010 first-rounder (24th overall), they were considered long-shots to land Hayes, and it appears the team wasn’t too aggressive in trying to sign him anyway.
The biggest reasons Hayes was tied to Pittsburgh is mainly because of the Pens’ assistant general manager’s, Bill Guerin and Tom Fitzgerald, relationships with both him and his agent, Robert Murray. Fitzgerald is cousins with Hayes, and Guerin is close with Murray.
Nonetheless, whether the Pens were heavily coveting Hayes or not, losing him to the Rangers is not the end of the world.
Had Pittsburgh been able to lock up the Boston College product, they would have, literally, been broker than they currently are. And, in looking at their roster, they have exactly 12 forwards – so Hayes’ addition wasn’t necessary. But it also bodes well for first-rounder, Kasperi Kapanen, to make the roster.
Not to mention, Pittsburgh still has Jayson Megna and Zach Sill in their system, which case, both could see time in the NHL more frequently this season. Personally, I think Sill should be a starter on the fourth-line, but that’s just my own perspective.
Yes, Hayes’ potential is certainly promising, but due to various other factors, it’s really not too disappointing they didn’t sign him. Of course, the Pens could use another young forward, however, it’s not a pressing matter at the moment.
Plus, if Pittsburgh’s interested in inviting a player or two to camp, Dustin Penner and Ray Whitney are still available.
So, Pittsburgh’s got options.