The New York Rangers have signed forward Kevin Hayes, one of the top college hockey player’s in the country last year for Boston College.
According to blueshirtsunited.com, Hayes was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round of the 2010 NHL Draft.
The Blackhawks could have signed Hayes anytime over the past four years, but not until he officially left Boston College. Once he left the Blackhawks had until 11:59 on Aug. 15 to sign him, according to NHL.com.
One reason Hayes may not have wanted to sign with the Blackhawks because of the number of players both on the team and in their system that play the same position, right wing, as Hayes, according to CBS Sports.
The maximum contract Hayes can receive is $925,000 per season, if he makes the Rangers NHL team.
Last season at BC, Hayes had 27 goals and 68 total points, which was the second highest point total at both BC and in the NCAA behind Johnny Gaudreau.
Hayes had 44 goals and 132 total points, along with a plus-37 rating in his career at BC.
He will be joining former BC teammate Chris Kreider on the Rangers.