Hayes (bruise) was on the ice in a normal jersey Tuesday, Steve Zipay of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hayes looked about ready to play against the Kings on Sunday but he ultimately sat out. His shedding the non-contact sweater of Tuesday's road game against the Ducks suggests that he's closer than ever to returning. Whether or not he participates in pregame warmups should determine his readiness for this next contest against a Ducks team looking to gain ground in a highly competitive Pacific Division.

Hayes (bruise) will skate against Los Angeles on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Prior to the malady Hayes had only totaled two points in his last eight games, so perhaps the break in action will help him collect his game, and place his name back on the scoresheet. Still, the 25-year-old has totaled 18 points (10 goals, eight assists) in 43 games on Broadway, and should return to his role of centering the second line.

Hayes (bruise) will accompany the team for a four-game road trip, but he's 50-50 for Sunday's contest against the Kings, Steve Zipay of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

First things first -- Hayes has effectively been ruled out for Saturday afternoon's match in Colorado. It's been reported that the fourth-year pivot will need to practice Friday in order to play this weekend, but fantasy owners seeking help at the center spot might be better off combing the virtual waiver wire for a short-term replacement option instead of sweating out Hayes' status. Rarely is the American skater putting up multi-point performances these days and his power-play role has been fleeting; he's down to an average of 36 seconds of man-advantage rink run this year.

Coach Alain Vigneault told reporters Hayes (bruise) would have to practice Friday in order to play this weekend, a statement that effectively rules the forward out of Thursday's game against the Sabres.

EDGE Analysis

Hayes will miss a third consecutive game Thursday, but if he's able to practice fully Friday, he should be cleared to play ahead of Saturday's game against the Avalanche. The Rangers should release another update on his status following Friday's on-ice workout.

Hayes's (bruise) status is up in the air for Thursday's matchup with Buffalo, effectively ruling him out against Philadelphia on Tuesday, Steve Zipay of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hayes has already missed one game due to his ailment and is set to miss a second, possibly a third. Prior to getting hurt, the Massachusetts native was bogged down in a slump with just two points in his previous eight outings, along with 26 shots, two PIM and a minus-4 rating. With the Boston College product sidelined, Peter Holland will make his Rangers' debut Tuesday.

Hayes (bruise) won't play Sunday against the Penguins.

EDGE Analysis

Hayes was struggling with a lower-body injury ahead of Saturday's game against the Islanders, so it may be tough for him to log back-to-back games with nagging injuries. The 25-year-old pivot has 10 goals and 18 points through 43 games, and he'll likely be replaced by Paul Carey in the lineup.

Hayes (lower body) scored a power-play goal Saturday in a 7-2 loss to the Islanders in his first game back from injury.

EDGE Analysis

Hayes skated a solid 16:53 and fired seven shots at Jaroslav Halak. The team had been quite pessimistic about the forward's return, but Hayes looked as though he'd never skipped a beat. While his production has been off this season, Hayes could be a decent deep-league option in the second half if he can shake off his early malaise.

Hayes (lower body) took warmups ahead of Saturday's matinee against the Islanders, Steve Zipay of Newsday reports. As a result, the center is likely to play in the contest.

EDGE Analysis

Rangers coach Alain Vigneault sounded a bit pessimistic about Hayes' chances of playing here, but his status has been upgraded with regard to his appearance in pregame warmups. Hayes has been a disappointment this season, as he's only put up 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) through 42 games after notching a career-high 49 combined goals and helpers in the previous campaign.

Coach Alain Vigneault indicated Friday that Hayes has a 50-50 shot or worse to play Saturday against the Islanders, Steve Zipay of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although there's still a chance Hayes dresses for the contest, it appears he's trending in the wrong direction as the contest approaches. A more definitive word on his availability should surface Saturday, but expect Vinni Lettieri to draw in if he's ultimately unable to play.

Hayes left Sunday's game against Vegas during the first period to be evaluated for a lower-body injury, and skated for just one shift after.

EDGE Analysis

It appeared Hayes suffered the injury after receiving a hard hit from Nate Schmidt near the end of the first frame, and no further information was released by the team. With the Rangers about to enter their bye week the 25-year-old will have plenty of time to recoup and recover, but if he isn't ready to go for next Saturday's tilt against the Islanders, David Desharnais should slide up to center the second line.