While I was perplexed as well regarding Hayes inconsistencies this season, we can't forget the strides he has made since coming here. Last year he was a very awkward skating 4th line player, that we thought going into this year would be a 13th man at times.
A lot of players are similar to Hayes in that they are just inconsistent in the Nhl. It is what it is. Only a small amount of players can play consistently, well, throughout the entire 82 game season. That's the reason why players like Hayes will be regarded as a middle 6 player.
Now he can always improve and work on his flaws. He's not in his early 20s but he could be on a long term developmental curve. Or we can find out he was hurt for the past couple of months, and going in front of the net, and taking that abuse could of hurt him more.
I can easily say his season can be looked at and called a successful one