The Difference Between Trading Zibanejad And Hayes

Robert Mayer-USA TODAY SportsIn the year of evaluations and decisions, none seems to be getting more play than the upcoming (potential) trade of Kevin Hayes. One a one-year deal that expires into UFA status this summer, Hayes is the prototypical risk of “losing for nothing” if he’s not traded and not extended.

In recent weeks, Hayes has grown into the player we all expected him to become once he was removed from the two-way center role he was shackled to the past two years. After a sluggish start, Hayes now has 21 points in 30 games and has been an impact player for the Rangers in all three zones. This play has not gone unnoticed, and has brought about a new wave of “well, if we have to…