JIMMY HAYES (# 10) – RW
Player Facts
Birthdate: November 21, 1989
Stargazing: Scorpio
Hometown: Dorchester, Massachusetts
Size: 6-5, 210 lbs (team listing)
Shoots: Right
Acquired: Drafted by Toronto in 2008 (2nd round, 60th overall)
Cap hit: N/A (unsigned)
Signed through: N/A (unsigned)
FA status: See note below
Note: Negotiation rights for NCAA players who are under the age of 20 when drafted are held by the drafting team for either four years or until 30 days after college graduation, whichever comes first.
Source: NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement, article 8.6(c).
You May Not Know This, But …
Scouting Profile
Strengths
Hayes skates quite fast for a big man. He possesses an accurate shot, tremendous stickhandling skills, and above-average on-ice vision. He is unafraid to drive to the front of the net, using his size to create screens and shake off defenders. His work ethic has been spoken very highly of everywhere he has played.
Weaknesses
Although Hayes has very good foot speed considering his size, he lacks a smooth stride, and thus getting to his top speed can be an issue at times (ex-NHLer and 2nd cousin Tom Fitzgerald notes that he “skates hard”, a term coaches often use in reference to a choppy stride). Although he is willing to drop the gloves when necessary, Hayes does not play as physical a game along the boards and in the corners as one would expect from a player with his size.
Career Notes
2006-07
Playing with the US National Team Development Program, Hayes recorded 45 points (23 G, 22 A) in 56 games. He was a member of the silver-winning US team at the 2007 IIHF World Under-18 Championship.
2007-08
Hayes’ endured a nightmare second season with the US NTDP. After posting a mere 8 points in 23 games, Hayes requested his release from the program, citing frustration with his play and a desire for a greater opportunity to develop his game. He joined Lincoln of the USHL and seemed to regain his confidence with 24 points (8 G, 16 A) in 29 games. Following the season, he was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
2008-09
Hayes has been brought along slowly in his freshman season at Boston College of the NCAA’s famed Hockey East, recording 13 points (8 G, 5 A) in 36 games overall.
From The Grapevine
I can’t say that I have too many contacts in the Boston area, but the coaches and scouts have all been very consistent in what they’ve had to say about Hayes: his work ethic is unparalleled. NCAA observers have suggested that his low numbers this season should not be read into very deeply; as a freshman in the NCAA, he does not see the same ice time he was used to seeing in the USHL. As Hayes continues to adjust to the more physical style of the NCAA, and earns more ice time as a result, his offensive output is expected to increase dramatically.
Notable Quotables: Tim Taylor, assistant coach, NTDP
On Hayes’ passion for the game …
“Jimmy has an unbelievable attitude, he is fierce competitor, he wants to score, he wants to be good. He is like a sponge and as a coach, he takes in everything you say and is a quick learner.”
(Hockey Journal)
Notable Quotables: Jerry York, coach, Boston College
On why Boston College was intent on recruiting Jimmy Hayes …
“He’s a young man with a world of potential. I think as he learns to play the power type game, he could have a really bright future. We’re thrilled he chose BC. We think his prospects are very, very bright.”
(Boston Globe)
Notable Quotables: NHL scout (on condition of anonymity)
On Hayes’ strengths and weaknesses …
“A character kid, with a good set of hands. For his size, no question, some impressive skills. But for 6-5, he tries to get away too often with skill and doesn’t use his body … We see him as a really raw kid, and if you’re patient enough, maybe something really good happens.”
(Boston Globe)
Notable Quotables: Jimmy Hayes
On developing a physical game …
“I used to be able to get away with playing all skill. Being a big guy, I’ve got to use my body and size a lot more to my advantage. It’s coming. It’s coming along. It’s not completely there yet. It’s a big transformation.”
(Hockey Journal)
On the possibility of an NHL future …
“My mind-set is, I’m here to play college hockey, and I’m really looking forward to it. Whenever I am ready to play in the NHL, I’m sure the coaches will tell me it’s time to move on. And if that takes four years, it takes four years … no problem.”
(Boston Globe)
Video Highlights
Interviewed at the draft, after being selected by the Leafs:
http://mapleleafs.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=8&id=19361
Showing some scrap to his game in the USHL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgPEkMNY_-M
In My Humble Opinion
If Hayes can ever put it all together, he could become a very good player down the road. It should be noted that prior to the derailment of his second NTDP season, Hayes was projected as a 1st round pick. He has a rare skill set for a player his size, but whether he can get into the habit of using his size to his advantage on a regular basis remains to be seen. If he can develop a physical edge to his game, he has an NHL future. However, he is still two years away, minimum … probably three.
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April 1st, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Thought I’d do something different with this one, and delve into a prospect not yet in the Pro ranks.
April 1st, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Nice write up …
6 foot five, soft hands, and a fierce competitive streak – ’nuff said. He’ll learn to move those feet eventually!
April 1st, 2009 at 6:59 pm
one prospect that I am keenly watching out for. I think this kid could be something special that many teams will rue missing out on as he progresses into a top class forward.
April 1st, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Still, my favourite part of this site is the “Getting to Know You’s.” ……… Judging by the comments, this site’s getting more popular, but as long as it continues to stray from the usual sensationalized Leaf crap, I’ll keep reading…Thanks for the read Garrett……Cheers, guys…
April 1st, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Garrett…
Great piece.
It is vital that at this point in time the Leafs continue to sell hope. You guys specifically (MLHS) continue to do an outstanding job at this very thing.
Well done!
Lee
April 1st, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Yea, watching him in the WJC I definitely noticed how awkward his skating was. It looks as though he went through a growth spurt and lost his coordination. Hopefully he can improve on that.
April 1st, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Great post.
Hayes will probably play at least two more years of College, maybe three.. making it the full four years before hitting the NHL. Although, I’m pretty confident that as he matures, grows into his body and is given more opportunities at the NCAA level, he will be a force when he’s done.
April 1st, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Yet another prospect who was considered top 30 talent in his draft year but slipped. Hopefully he can put it together and show why he was projected so high early in his draft year.
April 2nd, 2009 at 7:14 am
awkward skater?…put him on a line with Pony….that will be entertaining to watch!
April 2nd, 2009 at 8:20 am
the fact that he has a good skill set, works hard, and is coachable are all positive signs, that’s about the best you can ask for from most all of your prospects. Sounds similar to Schenn, although Schenn was obviously a little further along in his development, good stuff, thanks.
April 2nd, 2009 at 10:42 am
Big guy who tries to play a skilled game with awkward skating? Let’s get Antropov back and form the funniest skating line in the league.
April 2nd, 2009 at 4:08 pm
I think Hayes has a funnier looking stride than either Antropov or Ponikarovsky.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
[...] April 1: Jimmy Hayes [...]
April 7th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Garret – great work with the series. Came here late this seaon, but read them all..
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He says in the interview he is modelling himself after Getzlaf…that’s perfect and the exact type of player the Leafs need – big and skilled.
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His skating is bad, but if he rapidly improves it, he could be in the NHL quicker than expected. He has the size and hands at the least.
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