Free agent forward Jimmy Hayes has signed a one year with the New Jersey Devils worth $700,000. Hayes was invited to Devils camp on a professional try-out in early September. Hayes spent the last two seasons with the Boston Bruins. In his first year he notched 29 points in 73 games played. His second year would be a different story, he scored five points while only playing 58 games. The Bruins opted to buy-out the remainder of Hayes contract last June, making him an unrestricted free agent.

NJ agrees to terms with forward Jimmy Hayes, who was at camp on PTO. One year deal, $700K.

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) October 1, 2017

New Jersey Devils Sign Jimmy Hayes to One Year Deal

Jimmy Hayes has tallied three points for the New Jersey Devils in pre-season action. With his deal now in place, a full-time roster spot shouldn’t be hard for the forward to achieve. Over the years Hayes has made himself to be a productive and useful bottom six player. He has also proved that he can step into a top six role if needed for a short amount of time. A depth signing would not hurt the Devils in anyway possible at the moment. They’ll take any player they can get, after learning that Travis Zajac will be out for a long period of time with a torn pectoral muscle.

Of course if Hayes impresses in his bottom six role, he might get bumped up to a top six guy for a handful of games. There is definitely some room to maneuver around in the New Jersey Devils lineup for Jimmy Hayes. If Hayes proves to be the player that he’s portrayed himself as, he could get more NHL action for the years to come. Not to mention the winger is only 27 years old, hitting the best years of his career for his role on the ice.

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