The Winnipeg Jets announced today they have acquired forward Kevin Hayes from the New York Rangers in exchange for Brendan Lemieux, a first-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Should the draft lottery render the 2019 NHL first-round selection a top-three pick, the Rangers will receive Winnipeg’s 2020 first-round selection instead. If the Jets win the 2019 Stanley Cup then the Rangers will receive the Jets’ 2022 fourth-round pick.
Hayes, 26, has played 51 games for the Rangers this season and has 42 points (14G, 28A). The Dorchester, Mass. native has played 361 career games, all with the New York Rangers, recording 216 points (87G, 129A). Hayes has also played in 34 career playoff games, posting 10 points (2G, 8A). Internationally, he represented the USA at the 2014 and 2017 World Championships.
Hayes was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round (24th overall) in the 2010 NHL Draft.