When the NHL announced the new All-Star voting format, Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan McDonagh, Rick Nash, and Mats Zuccarello were named options for fans to select to make the game as a Captain. Left off was the most deserving Ranger, Kevin Hayes. While the quartet project to be deserving of the accolade, none has proven to be as effective as Hayes.
Hayes entered the season having lost 20 pounds, (22 if you ask Pierre McGuire) a change that earned the respect of Alain Vigneault. Vigneault infamously scratched Hayes in the postseason in favor of Tanner Glass, making the new-found respect surprising and refreshing.