Hayes centered the team's second line at practice on Saturday with Rick Nash and Chris Kreider, reports Andrew Gross of The Record. This is fairly surprising as Hayes is just 10-for-27 on face-offs thus far this season, but it speaks to the team's depth issues down the middle. One of the organization's talked about signings in the off season has quickly moved up the ranks of head coach Alain Vigneault's depth charts. However, Vigneault is jumbling the lines almost daily until he finds the right combination, so don't expect Hayes to remain there if he doesn't produce. The former first round pick (2010) has yet to register his first NHL point and is a minus-3 through three games played.

Hayes (shoulder) made his NHL debut Sunday against the Maple Leafs. He attempted one shot and posted a minus-2 rating over 14:17 of ice time. Hayes entered the lineup after Mats Zuccarello (shoulder) was ruled out Sunday, but it's hard to envision the rookie seeing regular ice time, especially after his nondescript debut. The Rangers seem to prefer the existing options among their top-six forwards, and don't want to sidetrack Hayes' development by relegating him to checking-line duties. Unless Zuccarello's injury proves to be a multi-game concern, Hayes may be sent to AHL Hartford if the Rangers are unable to find a consistent role for him.

Hayes could dress for Saturday's tilt in Columbus, reports Andrew Gross of The Record. If head coach Alain Vigneault decides to give fourth line winger Tanner Glass (back) the night off, Hayes, Chicago's first-round pick (24th overall) in 2010 could make his long-awaited NHL debut. While he's likely to toil on the team's fourth line and his tremendous upside is certainly worthy of monitoring his progress when and if he finally cracks the lineup.

Hayes (shoulder) was placed on the Rangers' non-roster injury list Thursday, Andrew Gross of the Bergen Record reports. Hayes will be able to come off the list at anytime. Based on his participation in practice Thursday, the Rangers seem optimistic his activation will come as early as Friday, when he's expected to receive full medical clearance to return to game action. Once healthy, the 6-foot-5 forward is expected to slot in on the third or fourth line.

Hayes (shoulder) practiced with contact Wednesday, Steve Zipay of Newsday reports. Though Hayes didn't seem to face any limitations Wednesday, he still wasn't used as part of a regular line, suggesting he's not completely in the clear on the health front just yet. It should become more apparent during Thursday's morning skate if he'll be available for the season opener against the Blues.

Hayes (shoulder) has made the Rangers' Opening Night roster, Andrew Gross of the Bergen Record reports. Hayes' roster spot appeared to be in jeopardy after he hurt his shoulder in Saturday's preseason finale, but his return to practice in a non-contact capacity Tuesday was apparently enough to convince the club he wasn't in line for a long absence. It's not certain whether or not he'll be fit to play Thursday against the Blues, but the Rangers figure to clear out a regular lineup spot for him once he's deemed healthy.

Hayes tweaked his shoulder in Friday's game against the Blackhawks and will not be available for the Rangers' preseason finale Saturday vs. the Devils, Andrew Gross of the Bergen Record reports. Hayes apparently suffered the injury when he checked a Blackhawks player, with coach Alain Vigneault labeling him day-to-day. The forward still remains in the mix for a roster spot, but he'll be replaced in Saturday's lineup by Chris Kreider.

Hayes will be used at the center position during the team's training camp this month, reports Andrew Gross of The Record. Coming off last season's 27-goal, 65-point pcampaign with Boston College, the newest member of the Rangers brings an immense amount of expectations. However, the 22-year-old former Hobey Baker finalist is currently blocked on the organization's winger depth charts. If Hayes is to start the NHL season with his parent club, he will have to fight off other center hopefuls J.T. Miller and Oscar Lindberg.

Hayes agreed to a contract with the Rangers on Wednesday, Chris Johnston of Rogers Sportsnet reports. A former first-round selection by the Blackhawks in 2010, Hayes never signed a contract with the club and became a free agent last weekend as a result. A finalist for the Hobey Baker Award during a 27-goal, 65-point season with Boston College, Hayes will have a shot at cracking the Rangers' roster out of training camp. His offensive talents may make him a fit for the Rangers on their third line, working on the wing opposite Mats Zuccarello.

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.