Chicago, Ill. – The Chicago Blackhawks today announced that the team has agreed to terms with forward Gavin Hayes on a three-year, entry-level contract that runs through the 2025-26 season ($896,667 salary cap hit).
Hayes, 18, set career highs in games played (66), goals (41), assists (40) and points (81) with the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League during the 2022-23 regular season. His 41 goals and 81 points each ranked second on the club. He also ranked fourth on Flint with 40 assists, while he ranked second with nine power play goals and four game-winning goals.
The 6-foot-2, 176-pound forward has compiled 130 points (60G, 70A) in 131 career regular-season games with the Firebirds from 2021-23. During the 2022 OHL Playoffs, Hayes helped Flint to a Western Conference Final appearance after posting 12 points (5G, 7A) in 19 postseason games.
The native of Westland, Michigan was originally drafted by Chicago in the third round (66th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft.
For more information, visit nhl.com/blackhawks.