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Underrated Penguins Prospect Gets Major Praise From Scout: 'In the NHL This Year'
Photo credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
One Penguins analyst believes that prospect Avery Hayes, who was signed as an undrafted UFA last year, could make the Pittsburgh roster this year.
The 2025 Pittsburgh Penguins Prospects challenge is in the books, and the club got a good look at several young pieces that will eventually be fighting for roster spots.
One player who stood out during the games was Avery Hayes, who was signed last year as an undrafted free agent and played in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
He finished with 3 goals in the pair of games they played, and looked strong overall.
Per analyst Jesse Marshall, the Penguins could see Hayes in the NHL this year.
I think we are going to see Avery Hayes in the NHL this year. I need to cut a tape on what a smart attacker he is. He is truly problematic in all three zones. Anticipation levels regarding identifying scoring areas and where to support in puck pursuit are very strong. NHL level.
His scouting report via Elite Prospects reads as follows:
He combined look-offs with fake shots to pull defenders towards him, then passed through them into the space they just emptied. Capable of slipping pucks through defenders or hooking passes around their sticks, he showed promise of becoming a small-area playmaker. With the playmaking, Hayes brings flashy, yet projectable puckhandling and shooting. Without fail, he knocks down tricky passes into two-touch wristers and fires contortionist-like one-timers when necessary.
The Penguins are not expected to be in the playoffs this year
It could be a tough year for fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins, as their team isn't expected to challenge for a roster spot this year.
Even though Sidney Crosby continues to play at a high level, the performances of his teammates around him haven't been enough to lift the team back into the playoffs for 3 years running now.
Most projections have the Penguins missing again this year.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 15 | 33 ANSWERS Underrated Penguins Prospect Gets Major Praise From Scout: 'In the NHL This Year' Will Avery Hayes be on the Penguins this year? | ||
| Yes | 25 | 75.8 % |
| No | 8 | 24.2 % |
| List of polls | ||