The New York Rangers are bringing center Kevin Hayes back. The team reported Monday that they have signed the restricted free agent to a one-year contract worth just over $5 million.
The 26-year-old returns to the Rangers after skating in 76 games for them last season. He registered 25 goals and 19 assists for 44 points, along with a plus-one rating and 18 penalty minutes.
He finished with career-highs last season in goals, even strength goals (17), power play goals (six), shorthanded goals (two), power play points (eight), shots on goal (172), average ice time (17:21), faceoff wins (562), faceoffs taken (1,112), and faceoff win percentage (50.5%), and tied his career-high in game-winning goals (four).
Hayes has skated in 310 career NHL games over four seasons (2014-15 - 2017-18), all with the Rangers, registering 73 goals and 101 assists for 174 points, along with a plus-30 rating and 88 penalty minutes.