Could This Unknown Penguins Prospect Shock Everyone and Secure an NHL Roster Spot Right Out of Camp?
Over the last three Pittsburgh Penguins prospects challenges — all clinched victories, by the way — one name keeps popping up like a headline you just can’t ignore: Avery Hayes. This 22-year-old right wing, standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing in at 175 pounds, wasn’t drafted but has been quietly grinding his way up. After signing a modest two-year AHL deal before the 2023-24 season, Hayes exploded with 23 goals and 42 points over 60 games for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, snagging himself a two-year entry-level contract with the Penguins during the offseason. What’s more impressive? Hayes has been turning heads at every Prospects Challenge he’s touched down on — bagging four goals in just three games this time. Believe me, the kind of confidence he’s radiating—“I always believed in myself,” he shared with Michelle Crechiolo—shows he’s not just playing for today but building a future. While the path to the NHL won’t be a cakewalk with fierce competition from young guns and seasoned forwards alike, Hayes’ versatility and tenacity could very well make him the sleeper hit of training camp. Think about it: he’s been compared to Bryan Rust, a player who took a similar road from underdog to top-six stalwart. Keep an eye on Hayes—this could be the start of something big.
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