If you're giving out contracts like that, Hayes' best season better be the new norm for him. If he's just giving you 12 goals and 40-45 points it's a joke of a deal. However if he can grow upon 54 point season, I can live with it.
- Pelle31Forever

Hayes needs to have 20 + goals and 40 assists. He needs to be above the 60 point mark as our 2nd line center. That needs to be his floor. I feel okay with him getting there if his linemates are JvR and Jake. Or JvR and another scoring winger. I could see Hayes and Jake just passing back and forth and not taking a shot... saw clips of Hayes finishing but I'm sure you can find that for anyone.

Hayes needs to have 20 + goals and 40 assists. He needs to be above the 60 point mark as our 2nd line center. That needs to be his floor. I feel okay with him getting there if his linemates are JvR and Jake. Or JvR and another scoring winger. I could see Hayes and Jake just passing back and forth and not taking a shot... saw clips of Hayes finishing but I'm sure you can find that for anyone.
- cdearth23

Well, like i said on a previous post, if he played 82 games instead of 71...based on his PPG, he would've hit 64-65 points...probably wouldve reached 22-23 goals.

Hayes needs to have 20 + goals and 40 assists. He needs to be above the 60 point mark as our 2nd line center. That needs to be his floor.
- cdearth23

Sheesh, high bar.

We're talking about a guy who never topped 55 pts in a season. His likely distribution is between 45-55 points.

if he played 82 games instead of 71..
- Hckygoalie31

He's never played a full season tho, so it's probably kinda unlikely that we can expect him to start now.

Sheesh, high bar.

We're talking about a guy who never topped 55 pts in a season. His likely distribution is between 45-55 points.



He's never played a full season tho, so it's probably kinda unlikely that we can expect him to start now.
- Tomahawk

If you get say 23 goals, 30 assists and a solid two way presence who is strong on the puck and can give you those types of possession shifts when he just owns the puck in the zone, that’s not a horrible return on investment.

Staal got six mil for ten years and that was years ago by now for very similar production

Nope. You're not the only one. I feel its a SLIGHT overpayment. But you basically checked off a bunch of boxes signing him:

2nd line center

2 way player

Will improve our 2nd Power play

Will inprove our Penalty killing and help decrease Coots and G's minutes killing penalties.

Faceoff % last season was 49.2%...it has increased every year since he broke into the league.

He did miss 11 games last year. If he played 82...and he hit .77 ppg (55 pts in 71 games)...he wouldve had 64 points playing 7/8ths of the season with a bad Rangers team. He would've been 2nd behind Zabinejad
- Hckygoalie31

You guys aren’t alone. I like getting Hayes signed. Not crazy about the contract but I understand where things are right now.

At this point I’m glad they filled that 2C hole.

I also like the fact that he is a solid PKer. Think that is needed on this squad.

If you get say 23 goals, 30 assists and a solid two way presence who is strong on the puck and can give you those types of possession shifts when he just owns the puck in the zone, that’s not a horrible return on investment.

Staal got six mil for ten years and that was years ago by now for very similar production
- stayinthefnnet

Not horrible especially if 3rd line with Lindblom and Patty are putting up points. But for that money, 60 pts should be the expectation. Imo of course.

Hayes needs to have 20 + goals and 40 assists. He needs to be above the 60 point mark as our 2nd line center. That needs to be his floor. I feel okay with him getting there if his linemates are JvR and Jake. Or JvR and another scoring winger. I could see Hayes and Jake just passing back and forth and not taking a shot... saw clips of Hayes finishing but I'm sure you can find that for anyone.
- cdearth23

I agree. It's not that I feel he can't do it. He just better do it.

Not horrible especially if 3rd line with Lindblom and Patty are putting up points. But for that money, 60 pts should be the expectation. Imo of course.
- cdearth23

Knowing his scoring history and his current age, I EXPECT 25/35 from Hayes to go along with solid two way play and PK1/PP2 rolls.

But Ill be happy with 50 points consistently as long as the whole game stays solid. Especially if it allows Patrick to increase his numbers.

(frank) no. I have no tolerance for holdouts.
- FlyerFan16

Lost a certain level of respect for provorov using that scum gandler as his agent. Same dirtbag who had yashin sit out a whole year!

If he fails to score 50 points his first year, the universe is gonna implode with all the hate thrown his way.
- Tomahawk

you would think that for 7.14M a year 50 points is a reasonable expectation though

If you get say 23 goals, 30 assists and a solid two way presence who is strong on the puck and can give you those types of possession shifts when he just owns the puck in the zone, that’s not a horrible return on investment.

Staal got six mil for ten years and that was years ago by now for very similar production
- stayinthefnnet

Just because you can justify it in your own mind does not make it a reality. Staal was way overvalued by Carolina and then overpaid by them

you would think that for 7.14M a year 50 points is a reasonable expectation though
- corduroy

I'm hoping that the addition of Hayes also improves the play of Patrick and others. So there will be some value in that aspect as well. Not just in a vacuum of Hayes and only Hayes.

I'm hoping that the addition of Hayes also improves the play of Patrick and others. So there will be some value in that aspect as well. Not just in a vacuum of Hayes and only Hayes.
- MBFlyerfan

Agreed, but... If he is in the 38-48 point range at the salary he is being paid wouldn't that be problematic? I personally feel he is a third line center, that is seen as a second line center due to lack of centers on the market, and his deployment on when on the Rangers.

I am not sure of anyone who would accept those low-end numbers from Kevin "Purple" Hayes

Agreed, but... If he is in the 38-48 point range at the salary he is being paid wouldn't that be problematic? I personally feel he is a third line center, that is seen as a second line center due to lack of centers on the market, and his deployment on when on the Rangers.

I am not sure of anyone who would accept those low-end numbers from Kevin "Purple" Hayes
- corduroy

It certainly would be. 48 I can live with( that would be on the lowest of the low end). 38 would be a bust.

He may end up being a third line guy. But his stats from the past few years and the role he plays says he is a legit 2c imo.

I’ve seen several posts over last few weeks saying getting Hayes with our roster doesn’t make us a great team or have suggested why add him with the state of our franchise... I’m not saying he makes us THAT much better when comparing to Metro and Eastern Conf in general. Fact is we still are better with him and Braun and Niskanen when comparing last years roster. Last years roster before the season started it looked better and deeper than the Isles and Canes, right? And arguably close to equal with BJs. Yet all of them were much better throughout the season and all won playoff series AND upset their 1st round match ups. Hayes and the vet dmen may not be the sexiest moves but add that with a full new coaching staff, I think we are going to better than some expect. We added JVR last summer and many folks said this is a 100 point team if not very close. Well we are better now on paper this summer , have Hart to start the season, and if we just fix our special teams issues we can have a good team. Keep calm.

I’ve seen several posts over last few weeks saying getting Hayes with our roster doesn’t make us a great team or have suggested why add him with the state of our franchise... I’m not saying he makes us THAT much better when comparing to Metro and Eastern Conf in general. Fact is we still are better with him and Braun and Niskanen when comparing last years roster. Last years roster before the season started it looked better and deeper than the Isles and Canes, right? And arguably close to equal with BJs. Yet all of them were much better throughout the season and all won playoff series AND upset their 1st round match ups. Hayes and the vet dmen may not be the sexiest moves but add that with a full new coaching staff, I think we are going to better than some expect. We added JVR last summer and many folks said this is a 100 point team if not very close. Well we are better now on paper this summer , have Hart to start the season, and if we just fix our special teams issues we can have a good team. Keep calm.
- arichardson22

I agree. Nice post.

Not horrible especially if 3rd line with Lindblom and Patty are putting up points. But for that money, 60 pts should be the expectation. Imo of course.
- cdearth23

Agree 60 pts and solid two way play should be expected. Especially in the 1st year of this contract. He's not being paid based on his past performance, he demanded money as if he is just reaching his prime and will be performing better. He is being paid as if he is a lower tier 1st line center or upper tier 2nd line center. Now lets see him do it.

Also Patrick should be better next year regardless of Hayes. He was a 2nd overall pick thst most likely would have been # if not injured. While having another quality player on the team should help the team. If Patrick is better, I will not be giving Hayes credit, I'll chalk it up to his progression as a third year player who started right out of juniors.

Don't get me wrong, I hope Hayes plays great and I do expect the team to be better because of him. He just gave himself huge shoes to fill. He ends up an Umberger in two years we are screwed. Look how much trouble some teams are having keeping there team together without terrible contracts involved. (his is not terrible yet, that is still an if).

Lost a certain level of respect for provorov using that scum gandler as his agent. Same dirtbag who had yashin sit out a whole year!
- consigrn

Yeah, not a fan of the agent but will give Provorov the benefit of doubt until we see what happens.

I expect Flyers to be much improved with Hayes and d additions. BUT, Hayes signed big contract so the expectation is higher. We will give him 2C role and strong wingers. He'll be a big part of team moving forward so I want 60+ points. 60 is the floor imo.

My hope is the Hayes addition allows us to be more consistent with our lines. Chemistry is important. G and Coots. Patty and Lindblom. Let's keep our lines together for most of the season.

Much improved d and Carter Hart.

We should be a playoff team this season and a consistent Division contender for the next 5 + years.

I’ve seen several posts over last few weeks saying getting Hayes with our roster doesn’t make us a great team or have suggested why add him with the state of our franchise... I’m not saying he makes us THAT much better when comparing to Metro and Eastern Conf in general. Fact is we still are better with him and Braun and Niskanen when comparing last years roster. Last years roster before the season started it looked better and deeper than the Isles and Canes, right? And arguably close to equal with BJs. Yet all of them were much better throughout the season and all won playoff series AND upset their 1st round match ups. Hayes and the vet dmen may not be the sexiest moves but add that with a full new coaching staff, I think we are going to better than some expect. We added JVR last summer and many folks said this is a 100 point team if not very close. Well we are better now on paper this summer , have Hart to start the season, and if we just fix our special teams issues we can have a good team. Keep calm.
- arichardson22

This.

I’ve seen several posts over last few weeks saying getting Hayes with our roster doesn’t make us a great team or have suggested why add him with the state of our franchise... I’m not saying he makes us THAT much better when comparing to Metro and Eastern Conf in general. Fact is we still are better with him and Braun and Niskanen when comparing last years roster. Last years roster before the season started it looked better and deeper than the Isles and Canes, right? And arguably close to equal with BJs. Yet all of them were much better throughout the season and all won playoff series AND upset their 1st round match ups. Hayes and the vet dmen may not be the sexiest moves but add that with a full new coaching staff, I think we are going to better than some expect. We added JVR last summer and many folks said this is a 100 point team if not very close. Well we are better now on paper this summer , have Hart to start the season, and if we just fix our special teams issues we can have a good team. Keep calm.
- arichardson22

AV, Hayes, Niskanen and Braun might help even some of the peaks and valleys out, but this is still a team that's young at key positions, so it'll mostly likely be up/down again.

Division got tougher, too. Making the PO's won't be easy, even if nearly everything goes perfectly for the Flyers.

AV, Hayes, Niskanen and Braun might help even some of the peaks and valleys out, but this is still a team that's young at key positions, so it'll mostly likely be up/down again.

Division got tougher, too. Making the PO's won't be easy, even if nearly everything goes perfectly for the Flyers.
- Tomahawk

Yeah we are young but so is most of the metro. Devils are young and added PK, Rangers young as well and added Trouba, Isles I doubt will repeat especially if Lehner doesn’t resign, Pens/Caps same old good teams, Canes also young and I could see them taking a step back. and BJs may lose a ton of key players. Playoffs won’t be easy but the talent gap in metro when comparing us to the others isn’t that far off imo.

I'm hoping that the addition of Hayes also improves the play of Patrick and others. So there will be some value in that aspect as well. Not just in a vacuum of Hayes and only Hayes.
- MBFlyerfan

Thank you. It shouldve been another point i brought up in my original post.

Having Hayes as the 2C will also relieve some stress from Patrick, allowing him to play his game while also giving him more favorable matchups against opponents.

Teams will be trying to line up their top two lines and top 2 pairings against the Flyers top and 2nd lines...which should mean Patrick, Lindblom and maybe Ratcliffe would be lining up against opponents 3rd and 4th lines and their 3rd pairings.

And yes...i fully expect Hayes to hit 60-70 pts each year.

Thank you. It shouldve been another point i brought up in my original post.

Having Hayes as the 2C will also relieve some stress from Patrick, allowing him to play his game while also giving him more favorable matchups against opponents.

Teams will be trying to line up their top two lines and top 2 pairings against the Flyers top and 2nd lines...which should mean Patrick, Lindblom and maybe Ratcliffe would be lining up against opponents 3rd and 4th lines and their 3rd pairings.

And yes...i fully expect Hayes to hit 60-70 pts each year.
- Hckygoalie31

I agree with this. I've seen some flashes of real dominance from Patrick, and fully expect him to blossom with better matchups. If Hayes ends up getting 40 pts, but all of a sudden Patrick's confidence skyrockets and he gets 60 pts, that's fine by me.

I’ve seen several posts over last few weeks saying getting Hayes with our roster doesn’t make us a great team or have suggested why add him with the state of our franchise... I’m not saying he makes us THAT much better when comparing to Metro and Eastern Conf in general. Fact is we still are better with him and Braun and Niskanen when comparing last years roster. Last years roster before the season started it looked better and deeper than the Isles and Canes, right? And arguably close to equal with BJs. Yet all of them were much better throughout the season and all won playoff series AND upset their 1st round match ups. Hayes and the vet dmen may not be the sexiest moves but add that with a full new coaching staff, I think we are going to better than some expect. We added JVR last summer and many folks said this is a 100 point team if not very close. Well we are better now on paper this summer , have Hart to start the season, and if we just fix our special teams issues we can have a good team. Keep calm.
- arichardson22

I was very happy with the way the draft went down although I was hoping they'd take caufield as many others. Just had visions of a Danny Briere sniper that we've missed in a few years. Regardless, I liked the picks, and the fact that we are staying the course with stockpiling prospects while re tooling with some UFAs.

Let's see what other UFAs are brought in to help. Solid backup is critical.

What I will say, is there are no guarantees that we'll even make the playoffs with the roster we have if we don't have a few rebound years from our younger players.

The division seems to have gotten stronger in the last week or so with 2 high first rounders, Subban, Trouba all coming into the division. It's going to be a serious dogfight.