Rangers Trade Hayes to Jets

The Winnipeg Jets have acquired centre Kevin Hayes from the New York Rangers in exchange for winger Brendan Lemieux, a 2019 first-round draft pick and a conditional draft pick.

This potential WPG-NYR deal is WPG 2019 first-round pick, Brendan Lemieux and a conditional pick in exchange for Kevin Hayes. Believe an agreement is in place but trade call not set yet.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 25, 2019

To the Jets

Hayes broke out last season for a career-high 25 goals in 76 games. He’s registered 14 goals and 28 assists in 51 games this season with an ATOI of 19:27. Similar to when the Jets acquired Paul Stastny last season, Hayes would give Winnipeg a legitimate second-line centre. Bryan Little’s production has dwindled in recent years, and Winnipeg has showed an interest in acquiring a centre more capable of skating with the likes of Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers on their second line. Hayes was originally selected no.24-overall in 2010 by the Chicago Blackhawks. He’s racked up 87 goals and 129 assists in 361 career regular-season games. The 26-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free-agent at the end of the season.

To the Rangers

Lemieux was originally drafted in the second round, no.31-overall in the 2014 draft by the Buffalo Sabres. He was acquired by the Jets on February 11, 2015 as part of the trade that sent Evander Kane to the Sabres. Lemieux impressed with the Manitoba Moose (AHL) last season, compiling 19 goals and 24 assists in 51 games. The 22-year-old has nine goals and two assists in 44 games for the Jets this season.