Rangers agree to terms with former first-round pick Hayes

Aug 20, 2014 - 5:40 PM New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - The New York Rangers agreed to terms with free agent forward Kevin Hayes on Wednesday.

Hayes was selected with a first-round pick by Chicago in 2010, but could not agree to terms with the Blackhawks by the deadline last Friday and became a free agent.

The Blackhawks retained Hayes' rights through college. He concluded his collegiate eligibility last season and had until Aug. 15 to reach a deal.

Hayes was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in college last season. He skated in 40 games for Boston College and compiled 27 goals with 38 assists to rank second in the nation with 65 points.

The 22-year-old Massachusetts native scored 44 goals and added 88 assists for 132 points in 142 collegiate games. He helped BC win the national championship in the spring of 2012.

Chicago, under terms of the collective bargaining agreement, will receive a compensatory pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. It will be the No. 24 selection in the second round.