CALGARY — Kevin Hayes has been with the Penguins for precisely four months. He made an impression on the organization long before — and still is. A handful of games into his Penguins’ tenure, Hayes is doing the job and then some.
The veteran, playing primarily at fourth-line center this season, has scored three goals, aided the second power-play unit and been strong defensively. Hayes’ offensive acumen has not gone unnoticed. Advertisement It’s been a luxury.
“It’s been really helpful in the early part of this season,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “He has the ability to finish and he’s just a very opportunistic player.” GO DEEPER Yohe mailbag: Tristan Jarry and Penguins' messy goalie situation Hayes played yet another strong game against the Flames on Tuesday.
He assisted on Rickard Rakell ’s goal and was on the ice for Noel Acciari ’s third-period goal. Sullivan has long been a fan of his fellow Boston native’s ability. And he’s not the only one.
Drew O’Connor , one of the Penguins’ best players this season, was delighted when the Penguins acquired Hayes from the St. Louis Blues on the second day of this year’s NHL Draft in Las Vegas. For many years, O’Connor has studied the veteran.
“I’ve always been impressed with his game, honestly,” O’Connor said. While Hayes is not one of the NHL ’s better skaters, he’s big, with good vision and touch and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. “I love his patienc.