Kirk- NEHJ
Registered User
Big, skilled, high upside.
Not as gritty or physical as his older brother, Jimmy, but I understand that there are several NHL teams hot on his trail in the late first.
Reminds me a bit of Joe Colborne in his draft year; doesn't take the puck to the net all that hard, will set up behind the net or play on the perimeter a lot. But, very good skater, puck skills, vision and hockey sense. Good character-- nice kid. Trying to do what Chris Kreider did and accelerate so he can be at BC next year. If he's successful, that will help his draft stock.
He has a higher upside than Charlie Coyle, but is not as complete a player, IMO. Boom or bust kind of prospect.
You can read more on him at my blog: www.bruins2010draftwatch.blogspot.com
Not as gritty or physical as his older brother, Jimmy, but I understand that there are several NHL teams hot on his trail in the late first.
Reminds me a bit of Joe Colborne in his draft year; doesn't take the puck to the net all that hard, will set up behind the net or play on the perimeter a lot. But, very good skater, puck skills, vision and hockey sense. Good character-- nice kid. Trying to do what Chris Kreider did and accelerate so he can be at BC next year. If he's successful, that will help his draft stock.
He has a higher upside than Charlie Coyle, but is not as complete a player, IMO. Boom or bust kind of prospect.
You can read more on him at my blog: www.bruins2010draftwatch.blogspot.com
Kirk- NEHJ
Registered User
That sounds about right. Top-six winger and power play specialist.
His first few steps are just OK, but his top speed is very good for his size and he's got outstanding edge control, so he can blow by defenders with his wheels or turn them with his stickhandling and agility.
The skill package has a lot of teams interested, but I won't lie- I was disappointed in how he played against Avon in the semifinal. He'd been pretty dominant all year, but picked the most important game of the season to not bring his 'A' game. Mike Pereira, on the other hand, was a beast- 3G, 3A in the semi- and final games to lead Avon to the championship.
Pereira's draft eligible, too- he'll go in the middle of the draft somewhere, but some team will be getting a nice, albeit long-term project with him (going to UMass-Amherst next year)
His first few steps are just OK, but his top speed is very good for his size and he's got outstanding edge control, so he can blow by defenders with his wheels or turn them with his stickhandling and agility.
The skill package has a lot of teams interested, but I won't lie- I was disappointed in how he played against Avon in the semifinal. He'd been pretty dominant all year, but picked the most important game of the season to not bring his 'A' game. Mike Pereira, on the other hand, was a beast- 3G, 3A in the semi- and final games to lead Avon to the championship.
Pereira's draft eligible, too- he'll go in the middle of the draft somewhere, but some team will be getting a nice, albeit long-term project with him (going to UMass-Amherst next year)
Kevin Hayes
I'm wondering about this kid. When I looked at his stats in high school, he was a great kid. Having 53 goals in 50 games, 122 points in those 50 games. He's a for sure power forward, 6'2" and 201 pounds. He also, according to scouting reports, has great playmaking ability, is able ot use his skates to play the puck without slowing down, and has a great quick wrist shot which will be valuable. I think he sounds like a great sniper, and his coach says he usually takes a pass tape-to-tape or lets it bounce off the boards to gain seperation.
I know he's considered maybe late-1st to 2nd round, but maybe he's better than that. I see him to be good for a lot of teams needing size. The Avalanche are a smaller team, and need more goal scoring, he's a sniping power forward, big bodied and great with scoring. I have to wonder your thoughts, and what else there is on him? I definitely want to learn more on this kid, so if you have any information, please supply it.
I'm wondering about this kid. When I looked at his stats in high school, he was a great kid. Having 53 goals in 50 games, 122 points in those 50 games. He's a for sure power forward, 6'2" and 201 pounds. He also, according to scouting reports, has great playmaking ability, is able ot use his skates to play the puck without slowing down, and has a great quick wrist shot which will be valuable. I think he sounds like a great sniper, and his coach says he usually takes a pass tape-to-tape or lets it bounce off the boards to gain seperation.
I know he's considered maybe late-1st to 2nd round, but maybe he's better than that. I see him to be good for a lot of teams needing size. The Avalanche are a smaller team, and need more goal scoring, he's a sniping power forward, big bodied and great with scoring. I have to wonder your thoughts, and what else there is on him? I definitely want to learn more on this kid, so if you have any information, please supply it.
William H Bonney
Registered User
Here's a good thread:
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=756297&highlight=kevin+hayes
I'd ask Kirk - NEHJ if you have any more questions. He knows the New England area prospects better than anyone else here.
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=756297&highlight=kevin+hayes
I'd ask Kirk - NEHJ if you have any more questions. He knows the New England area prospects better than anyone else here.
AmericanDream
Thank you Elon!
Kevin Hayes is an interesting prospect to say the least. For all the reasons you mentioned above, the kid flat out has the talent and skill to be a player. I caught him with the USNDP a few times this year as they brought him along for a few games, the kid has a skill set that most of us felt his older brother Jimmy had.
When it comes to highschool players, it is always a tricky road. Look at Chris Kreider last year....the kid went 19th overall I believe, but looking back at it now, he should have been a top 10 pick.. Why is that? Scouts are always concerned about the level of competition that some of these highschoolers are playing against. Kreider was so dominating that scouts werent sure if it was due to his sick skills, or just playing against inferior compeition.
I think Kreider has put highschoolers in a better light with his development this year. The next "big thing" for US highschoolers is Nick Bjugstad, who in my opinion will benefit from Kreider as well. Bjugstad is a kid ranked from 12-28 on certain sites, but I have no doubt that a gm will take this kid high (top 15) and not worry about him playing against high school competition. Kreider has showed that sometimes it doesnt matter who or where you play, but that maybe the player is just that damn good to pass up on.
Now I am not an expert of Massachusetts highschool hockey, but from many of those that I speak with regularly, the overall skill is getting much better. Many of the best kids on the East Coast that dont go USNDP are staying put in their respective leagues. Not many have gone QMJHL the past few years as well, so it seems the overall compeition for a once very strong area is trending back upward.
What this means for Hayes you might ask? Well I think it means some good news for him. If the area is getting better, then the numbers he is putting up look more "eye catching" then if it was against a complete inferior league. Seeing how a fellow Mass native Chris Kreider goes top 20 in last years draft, and has only skyrocketed upwards will also bode well for Hayes and his draft status.
Kevin Hayes has all the tools, skill set, and frame to be a top 30 pick. In my opinion, I would take him over a similar projected fellow highschooler; Brock Nelson from Minnesota. If Hayes gets drafted in the second round it will still be an accomplishment, but I agree with the OP that this kid might be a Kreider version 2.0 who should have gone higher but didnt.
It is a very big year for draft eligible US highschoolers this year. Kevin Hayes, Nick Bjugstad, Charlie Coyle, Patrick Mcnally, Brock Nelson, Mark Alt, Justin Holl, Max Gardiner, and Zane Gothburg should all be very high top 60 or so picks this year. It looks like the Boston area will be well represented with Hayes, Coyle, and Mcnally as top end talent. Should be interesting next month.
When it comes to highschool players, it is always a tricky road. Look at Chris Kreider last year....the kid went 19th overall I believe, but looking back at it now, he should have been a top 10 pick.. Why is that? Scouts are always concerned about the level of competition that some of these highschoolers are playing against. Kreider was so dominating that scouts werent sure if it was due to his sick skills, or just playing against inferior compeition.
I think Kreider has put highschoolers in a better light with his development this year. The next "big thing" for US highschoolers is Nick Bjugstad, who in my opinion will benefit from Kreider as well. Bjugstad is a kid ranked from 12-28 on certain sites, but I have no doubt that a gm will take this kid high (top 15) and not worry about him playing against high school competition. Kreider has showed that sometimes it doesnt matter who or where you play, but that maybe the player is just that damn good to pass up on.
Now I am not an expert of Massachusetts highschool hockey, but from many of those that I speak with regularly, the overall skill is getting much better. Many of the best kids on the East Coast that dont go USNDP are staying put in their respective leagues. Not many have gone QMJHL the past few years as well, so it seems the overall compeition for a once very strong area is trending back upward.
What this means for Hayes you might ask? Well I think it means some good news for him. If the area is getting better, then the numbers he is putting up look more "eye catching" then if it was against a complete inferior league. Seeing how a fellow Mass native Chris Kreider goes top 20 in last years draft, and has only skyrocketed upwards will also bode well for Hayes and his draft status.
Kevin Hayes has all the tools, skill set, and frame to be a top 30 pick. In my opinion, I would take him over a similar projected fellow highschooler; Brock Nelson from Minnesota. If Hayes gets drafted in the second round it will still be an accomplishment, but I agree with the OP that this kid might be a Kreider version 2.0 who should have gone higher but didnt.
It is a very big year for draft eligible US highschoolers this year. Kevin Hayes, Nick Bjugstad, Charlie Coyle, Patrick Mcnally, Brock Nelson, Mark Alt, Justin Holl, Max Gardiner, and Zane Gothburg should all be very high top 60 or so picks this year. It looks like the Boston area will be well represented with Hayes, Coyle, and Mcnally as top end talent. Should be interesting next month.
Alan Ryan
Registered User
- Jun 1, 2006
- 9,067
- 1,502
There has been a fair amount of discussion on the Bruins board about Hayes. One poster, who has a good track record for insider information on the Bruins, says the team is extremely high on him and could draft Hayes as high as their first round pick (#15).
Many posters are of the opinion that he should not be taken that high.
Many posters are of the opinion that he should not be taken that high.
SPORTSMANIAC
Registered User
100% agree, he's not an option for the Bruins with their own 1st pick. This is how I see the draft for the Bruins
2 - Tyler Seguin
15- John Merrill
32- Kevin Hayes or Charlie Coyle
45- Brad Ross
Kevin Hayes really having a breakout season thus far.
Listed as 6'4, 212 on BC's site.
14 games, 8 goals, 13 assists, 21 points so far. 45 SOG too...which was a negative of his game...not being selfish enough and passing too much. But now is 2nd on the team in goals behind just Gaudreau.
Excited to (hopefully) see him in Rockford next year. He has such a good combination of size and skill, kind of reminds me of Joe Thornton with his playmaking ability as a big man(obv. not as good).
Listed as 6'4, 212 on BC's site.
14 games, 8 goals, 13 assists, 21 points so far. 45 SOG too...which was a negative of his game...not being selfish enough and passing too much. But now is 2nd on the team in goals behind just Gaudreau.
Excited to (hopefully) see him in Rockford next year. He has such a good combination of size and skill, kind of reminds me of Joe Thornton with his playmaking ability as a big man(obv. not as good).
Blackhawkswincup
RIP Fugu
With him planning to sign with Hawks in offseason (As expected) and join the likes of Danault/McNeill in Rockford next year the Hawks system continues to look healthy with supporting talent in pipeline
Current season for BC = 11 goals and 19 assists in 19 games
Current season for BC = 11 goals and 19 assists in 19 games
BC is playing my alma mater 6th ranked Providence tonight, I'm going. Looking forward to seeing him in person. My old man is very good friends with his dad so maybe we'll get some special access but I doubt it
sigx15
Registered User
- Jan 31, 2010
- 841
- 835
Talk about a player coming into his own. 3g 1a 4pts tonight against Maine after 2a against BU the night before. Now 2nd in the NCAA in pts with 42 only behind linemate Gaudreau and tied for 1st in assists with Gaudreau at 26.
If it was any other year he'd have a great shot at the Hobey Baker but just not this year cuz of his linemate. Having watched him for 4 yrs at BC, Ive been waiting for things to just come together for him and they finally have. Something he's shown this year that has only come in spurts before is his tenacity. He really can overpower players and can physically impose his will. The number of times Ive seen him back check, catch up to a player and steal the puck then go down on an offensive rush this year is too many to count. I actually like him better this year than I did Kreider in his last year at BC. He might not have Kreider's speed (few do) but he's more physical and plays a more balanced game. He's really all over the ice and is taking games over. His production is definitely helped by Gaudreau and Arnold but not at all dependent on them. Seems like everything has really clicked in his head, and has matured not only as a player but also as a person. After missing the last 8 games last year with a horrific bone bruise that almost cost him his leg and put him in the hospital for close to 2 weeks, he seems like a man on a mission this year. Not that you wish something like that on anyone but seems like it really matured him and he's a better player and person because of it.
Was unsure about his pro potential until this year but now I absolutely see him as having top 6 type ability and able to step in next year to help out on the lower lines. Good power forward who will drive the net, get dirty, has good vision and is getting better and better. Based on the way he's trending and the style he plays, I think if everything goes perfect for him he could end up being a similar player to Jamie Benn but could also just end up being a solid 3rd liner too.
The rich get richer.
If it was any other year he'd have a great shot at the Hobey Baker but just not this year cuz of his linemate. Having watched him for 4 yrs at BC, Ive been waiting for things to just come together for him and they finally have. Something he's shown this year that has only come in spurts before is his tenacity. He really can overpower players and can physically impose his will. The number of times Ive seen him back check, catch up to a player and steal the puck then go down on an offensive rush this year is too many to count. I actually like him better this year than I did Kreider in his last year at BC. He might not have Kreider's speed (few do) but he's more physical and plays a more balanced game. He's really all over the ice and is taking games over. His production is definitely helped by Gaudreau and Arnold but not at all dependent on them. Seems like everything has really clicked in his head, and has matured not only as a player but also as a person. After missing the last 8 games last year with a horrific bone bruise that almost cost him his leg and put him in the hospital for close to 2 weeks, he seems like a man on a mission this year. Not that you wish something like that on anyone but seems like it really matured him and he's a better player and person because of it.
Was unsure about his pro potential until this year but now I absolutely see him as having top 6 type ability and able to step in next year to help out on the lower lines. Good power forward who will drive the net, get dirty, has good vision and is getting better and better. Based on the way he's trending and the style he plays, I think if everything goes perfect for him he could end up being a similar player to Jamie Benn but could also just end up being a solid 3rd liner too.
The rich get richer.
Watched many games? Hayes is a product of that line, Solid player for sure and not a passenger, put too put his basement at a solid third liner is a tad optimistic.
Okay that's just wrong.Hayes has had a "breakout" season yes.He's getting a lot of points at the moment on that 1st line yes,but he has only recently been put there.He spent most of the season on the 2nd line where he was playing great and putting up points without those linemates you speak of.Saying he is a product of that line leads one to believe you haven't watched too many games yourself,otherwise you'd realise how idiotic and uninformed that statement is.
Hayes has been a monster this year and were it not for Gaudreau he would probably be the favorite for the Hobey. Hayes is often the best player on the ice. All 3 guys on that line are beasts and each brings something different to the table. When they are clicking no one in college can stop them.
Hayes has had some injuries prior to this year, so its really nice to see him doing so well this year.
Hayes has had some injuries prior to this year, so its really nice to see him doing so well this year.
sigx15
Registered User
- Jan 31, 2010
- 841
- 835
Ya i've actually seen him play 40+ times over the past 4 years, so I think I have a good read on how he has developed. He has been the most dominant player on the ice for much of the game the last 4 times Ive seen him this year. He no longer disappears for long periods of the game and has turned into a good defensive forward as well. I've watched a lot of players go along for the ride and rack up points, that couldn't be further from the truth with Hayes.
Im pretty sure you misinterpreted what I was saying about where he would end up from a production stand point. I said if his development goes perfect he could end up being a Jamie Benn type player. If not a solid 3rd liner. I'm sorry I left out that if he doesn't develop any further and falls on his face he won't make it to the NHL or be a borderline NHLer.
sigx15
Registered User
- Jan 31, 2010
- 841
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Great article by Joe Meloni over at College Hockey News on Hayes's year so far. Give it a read, really articulates a lot of what people are talking about with his development this year...
http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2014/01/13_hayes_lifted.php
http://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2014/01/13_hayes_lifted.php
Coming off his own injury last year, his little personal troubles as well as his dad's off-ice stuff the past calendar year it's been remarkable IMO how he's become what he was supposed to be.
Skinnyjimmy08
WorldTraveler
- Mar 30, 2012
- 22,511
- 11,988
Just named MVP at Beanpot. Looks like he is having a great season. His buddy Gaudreau is receiving all the NCAA hype, but it looks like Hayes is a damn good prospect
Blackhawkswincup
RIP Fugu
Cant wait for him to join the glut of Hawk prospects down in Rockford
Nice pipeline to keep depth replenished for Hawks ,, Also good trade chips potentially for Hawks in offseason
Nice pipeline to keep depth replenished for Hawks ,, Also good trade chips potentially for Hawks in offseason
