I just watched AC's video of Gaudreau highlights at the World Championships. Now, I understand not wanting to trade a promising defensive prospect for "only" a 20 goal, 50-ish point winger, but to those that are skeptical of Hayes, please take a look at that highlight video. It's pretty clear to me that the chemistry still exists and Hayes, and possibly even Johnny could benefit from it. Hayes is a big fellow with some hands in tight, and yes, while that may sound a lot like Ferland, I'm personally sold on the history between the two college buddies and the possibility of an acquisition cost that may be a prospect from our deepest position.
Count me in on Hayes. Feel free to disagree, but I could certainly see a strong chance of this being a smart, relatively low cost move.
And for those drooling over UFAs or the like, Hayes has very similar numbers to James Neal and is only 26, and is a natural centre, AND has been noted to have excellent defensive play against other teams top lines. To me, that would be a boon as well, as one of Ferland's issues in my opinion is less than stellar defensive play. A defensively minded winger that can still pot the points on that top line would help bolster an already terrific duo, and have the trickle down we all want for the rest of the lines.
Again, you're allowed to disagree. I'm not a GM or even necessarily a well informed fan. But I for one certainly hope that Treliving has worked the phone lines on this one and may be able to swing a reasonably inexpensive deal for Hayes.
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