Kevin Hayes’ journey to becoming the most important player on the New York Rangers

How and why to keep him.

Finally, there is the argument about what he will ask for in free agency.

The answer is probably something around six-years for $6 million. But, if you’re watching Ranger games, he’s worth it.

The Rangers can afford to lock him in and still go gallivanting about acquiring the other roster pieces people are yearning for.

Did I mention he has a long-time close relationship with David Quinn?

People are just sewing together all these narratives that:

• the Rangers are rebuilding
• Hayes is a UFA come summer time
• he holds considerable value.

So therefore, they sum him up to be nothing but a trade chip.

If Jeff Gorton wanted to deal him, he would have done it over the summer before resigning him for the season.

This is a try-out for Hayes to earn the extension and you can’t deny he is passing in flying colors. I understand, at the end of last year through this passed summer, it was reasonable to talk about.

But now, what we are seeing this season should prove he is worth more to the Rangers in blue than in some other color and city.

So let’s all come to our senses here.

We know both sides of this have admiration for one another. Let’s stop wasting time and put an end to the rumors.

I realize I sound like I’m beating a dead horse with this, so I digress.

January 1. is the earliest a deal can be made. Gorton is taking his time. Let things play out the way they are supposed to.