Blackhawks Sign Forward Prospect Gavin Hayes
On Monday, the Blackhawks announced another member of their 2022 draft class has signed his entry-level contract: Gavin Hayes.
Hayes, who the Blackhawks selected in the third round (No. 66 overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft, has signed his three-year, entry-level contract that runs through the 2025-26 season. The deal has a $896,667 salary cap hit.
As we’ve discussed a lot here, Hayes has been one of the Blackhawks’ more prolific offensive prospects this season with Flint in the OHL. In 66 games, Hayes has 41 goals and 40 assists this season.
Hayes is the third member of the Blackhawks’ 2022 draft class to sign an entry-level deal. He joins defenseman Kevin Korchinski and forward Paul Ludwinski, who signed last week.
The Blackhawks selected Hayes with the second pick they received from Montreal in the Kirby Dach trade. The other player selected with a pick from that trade is Frank Nazar, who will skate with Michigan in the Frozen Four later this week.
Hayes does not turn 19 until May 14, so he’ll be another player who could return to junior next year for another season. Because of rules, he cannot play in the AHL next season, so it’s NHL or back to junior. Listed at 6-2 and 180 pounds, Hayes would be a longshot to make the jump straight to the NHL this season but he’s had no issues scoring at the junior level this year.
