Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Rangers Lose Forward Kevin Hayes For 2-3 Weeks

By Kenneth Teape

Dec 31, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New York Rangers center Kevin Hayes (13) controls the puck in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center. The Rangers defeated the Avalanche 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New York Rangers center Kevin Hayes (13) controls the puck in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center. The Rangers defeated the Avalanche 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

New York Rangers left winger Kevin Hayes will be sidelined at least 2-3 weeks with a lower body injury.

The New York Rangers have dealt with a ton of injuries this season. They recently got back left wing Pavel Buchnevich and center Mika Zibanejad from lengthy absences; Buchnevich was out for two months with a back injury while Zibanejad had a broken leg. But right as they began to get healthy more injuries followed.

The most recent one is to right winger Kevin Hayes. The Rangers announced today that Hayes will be sidelined for at least 2-3 weeks because of a lower-body injury. He suffered the injury playing Sunday against the Detroit Red Wings; he was forced from the game in the second period.

Hayes played only 8:41 against the Red Wings before being forced to the locker room. He got checked out by team doctors today according to Newsday and they determined that he will be sidelined.

More from New York Rangers

Hayes has been excellent this season on the ice. He has recorded 35 points, 13 goals and 22 assists, in 47 games, the third most on the Rangers. He has been playing especially well recently, scoring seven points in his previous six games.

This is a big blow for the Rangers, as Hayes is an integral part of their team. If there are any positives to take away from this injury, it is the timing of it. The NHL is nearing the All-Star break, which means Hayes will miss fewer games than had he been injured at a different time in the season. If Hayes is out the entire three-week timetable, he will miss nine games.

Another reason is that the Rangers are getting another forward back to the lineup tonight from injury. Matt Puempel suffered a concussion New Year’s Eve but has been symptom-free and cleared to return. He should take Hayes’ place in the lineup, beginning tonight against the Los Angeles Kings.

Next: New York Rangers News Update

Puempel has appeared in 26 games for the Rangers this season. He has recorded six points, scoring five goals with one assist.

Home/New York Rangers