After a strong OHL season and a standout showing for Team USA at the World Juniors, Gavin Hayes has been adjusting to the pro game with the Rockford IceHogs. His offensive instincts and clutch play were on full display in junior, but the transition to the AHL has come with its share of growing pains. In 50 games, he posted a modest five goals and 10 assists, which is expected for a player making the leap from junior to the AHL. Chicago will want to see if his scoring touch can develop at the pro level before giving him a shot in the NHL. For now, more time in Rockford is the best path for his long-term development.

The Blackhawks signed Hayes to a three-year entry-level contract. Hayes had a very impressive year with the Flint Firebirds, with 41 goals and 40 assists over 66 games.

Hayes was selected 66th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks.

Hayes’ rookie OHL season was decent enough to see him land fourth overall in Flint Firebirds scoring with 18 goals and 59 points in 67 games. The prospect’s pace of play and intensity helped him carry a decent load of responsibilities throughout the 2021-2022 campaign, and those responsibilities will grow with every passing year in the Junior circuit.

The 6-foot-1, 176-pound forward plays a true North-South game, displaying great defensive positioning, strong board play and high execution pace on and off the puck, but when it comes to cutting towards the middle, catching pucks in pivots, diversifying his rush patterns and playing give-and-go with his teammates, things can fall apart. From there, he can use his one-touch play to either find the back of the net or hit a teammate with an instant pass. When he’s moving his feet and carrying the puck, things can get difficult, but from a standstill, most of what Hayes tries, works. He’ll likely excel in a support role where he’ll have someone with him to carry the transitional load, gain the offensive zone and feed him in soft ice.