Though Hayes’ numbers don’t pop off the page, he’s got some offensive upside due to his playing style. A big part of his offensive game is that he’s a strong forechecker who isn’t afraid to create havoc behind the net, as well as in front of the net. In addition to his work on the forecheck, he has an impressive shot, which will only get better as he adds more strength to his frame. When given time and space, he can wire the puck:
@dylan_krill
Gavin Hayes (
@FlintFirebirds #92) is heating up folks
After finally seeing his time on ice increase from averaging 8-12 to 14-20 minutes, he has 6 points in his last 3 games Expect to see his name rise draft rankings as he’s now getting the opportunities that he deserves #OHL
https://t.co/wuSpIXySqf
6:02 AM · Nov 30, 2021
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Hayes is also a good skater who isn’t afraid to start the attack on the rush. He might not be a play-driving winger in the NHL, but he shouldn’t be a drag on his linemates because he can’t play off the rush. It’s the best of both worlds with him; he can play off the rush, but he’s also a capable forechecker.
Another positive about Hayes is most of his goal scoring came at even strength. Of his 19 regular-season tallies, 16 of them came at even strength. Twenty-four of his 32 even-strength points were also primary points, which is usually a good indicator of future scoring. With further development and a more prominent role for the Firebirds next season, he could be in line for a relatively big jump in his counting totals.