On the heels of a career-best 2016-17 campaign that saw him post 49 points and approach the 20-goal plateau, New York Rangers pivot Kevin Hayes is looking for more.
The 25-year-old is gearing up for his fourth season in the big leagues after three years that have brought both promise and a fair share of scrutiny in Manhattan. While his Rangers tenure has been tumultuous thus far, Hayes is banking on the chance to benefit from the departure of former top-line centreman Derek Stepan, dealt to the Arizona Coyotes in June.
“It’s time to prove that I’m capable of being that guy,” Hayes told NHL.com’s Dan Rosen on Thursday. “You don’t want to be in the same spot your whole career. I have a really good opportunity and I need to grab that and show the coaches and Rangers fans that I belong there.”
He’ll have some hefty competition for the top job as two-time 20-goal scorer Mika Zibanejad is currently projected to take over the first-line assignment. However, second-line centre duties appear there for Hayes’ taking, still a considerable promotion relative to his previous role.
“He’s going to get the opportunity,” head coach Alain Vigneault said. “I’m very confident that he’s going to prove us right, that we had every reason to have total faith in him.”
While the chance to snag a bigger role may be coming, there’s no doubt Hayes has his work cut out for him. The Rangers enter 2017-18 up against a division full of clubs stacked with offensive depth, meaning New York will need all the scoring it can get from its middlemen.
Another career-best campaign from Hayes would go a long way towards that goal, and Vigneault said he believes the Dorchester, Mass. native is ready to take the next step and prove he can be a key contributor for the club.
“Kevin has never shied away from taking responsibility about his game,” Vigneault told Rosen. “He’s very honest about where he thinks he is and he can take feedback and he knows how to use that feedback.
“We believe this opportunity that’s in front of him, he’s going to jump on it, take it and ride with it.”
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