Rangers Sign Kevin Hayes To New Contract, Avoid Arbitration
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Rangers and restricted free agent forward Kevin Hayes avoided arbitration Friday by agreeing to terms on a new contract, the team announced.
The Rangers did not immediately reveal the terms of the deal. Hockey analyst Aaron Ward reported it is a two-year contract worth $2.6 million.
Told Hayes deal is 2 years/ 2.6M #NYR
— Aaron Ward (@NHL_AaronWard) July 22, 2016
Hayes, 24, joined the Rangers as an unrestricted free agent before the 2014-15 season. As a rookie, he skated in 79 games and registered 17 goals and 28 assists for 45 points. In 79 games this past season, he had 14 goals and 22 assists for 36 points.
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The 6-foot-5, 227-pounder was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks with the 24th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He, however, elected to play four years at Boston College, and Chicago's draft rights to Hayes expired, allowing him to hit the open market.
Earlier Friday, the Blueshirts locked up forward Chris Kreider on a four-year, $18.5 million contract, also avoiding arbitration.