Fantasy Impact: The New York Rangers have reportedly signed free agent prospect winger Kevin Hayes, per hockey writer Mark Divver.

The Rangers get: a big, highly skilled winger who chose to walk away from the team that drafted him (Chicago) because of the depth at the wing position there. Instead, Hayes signs with a team that has the following line combinations (per my Fantasy Hockey Guide):

Rick Nash – Derek Stepan – Martin St. Louis

Chris Kreider – Derick Brassard – Mats Zuccarello

Carl Hagelin – J.T. Miller – Lee Stempniak

Tanner Glass – Dominic Moore – Kevin Hayes (?)

                     Matt Lombardi – Jesper Fast

Definitely a slight upgrade in terms of roster space and opportunity, but not as much as 10 or 12 other teams out there. Speculation was that he would go to Calgary to join his college linemates, or Boston which is close to his hometown and where he went to school, or Florida to play with his brother, or Colorado because of the tremendous opportunity there for a young player. He chose E) None of the above.