Coveted free agent forward Kevin Hayes has agreed to terms with the New York Rangers, the team announced Wednesday.
After days of deliberation, the former Boston College standout narrowed his list and has agreed to an entry-level contract with New York.
The 22-year-old Hayes (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) was second among the Eagles in scoring with 27 goals and 65 points in 40 games this past season.
Hayes was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010 with the 24th overall pick, but he became a free agent again when last week's deadline for him to agree to terms passed.
Hayes could provide a significant addition to the Rangers, who will be missing one of their top offensive performers from last season in Benoit Pouliot, who signed with the Edmonton Oilers as a free agent in July.
The Rangers landed free agent defenseman Dan Boyle this summer, but have not done much by way of addressing scoring concerns for next season.
Hayes is the brother of Jimmy Hayes, who was traded from Chicago to the Florida Panthers last season.
