Hayes, Chicago's first-round draft selection in 2010, became a free agent on Friday after not coming to an agreement on a contract with the Blackhawks, the Chicago Tribune reports. Hayes was considered one of the top prospects after being named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, given to the NCAA's top player last season. The 6-foot-3 inch, 205-pound right wing had 28 goals and 39 assists in 39 games for Boston College last season. It appears that Hayes is looking for a situation where he can skate in the NHL now rather than later and that was not the case in Chicago.