The New York Rangers have won the Kevin Hayes sweepstakes. Hayes agent Robert Murray informed the Rangers this morning his client will be signing with them.
Hayes was aggressively pursued by over 10 teams and the shortlist of teams he considered signing with included the Avalanche, Bruins, Predators, Penguins, Coyotes and Rangers. All six teams were awarded opportunities to make a sales pitch.

Penguins officials are said to not have been banking on signing Hayes, despite what team sources called an aggressive pitch.
Hayes, 22, was the Blackhawks first round pick in 2010. He had 27 goals and 65 points last season for Boston College.