Jimmy Hayes

Hayes, who was slated to account for a $2.3 million salary-cap hit in 2017-18, was bought out by the Bruins, ending his ill-fated stint with his hometown team. The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder essentially represented all the franchise had left from its ill-advised decision to deal Tyler Seguin to the Stars in July of 2015. Hayes did show some goal-scoring upside earlier in his career while with Florida, but his final campaign as a Bruin resulted in just two goals and five points over the course of 58 games. The 27-year-old will now look to reboot his NHL career elsewhere, with a one-year “prove it” deal likely on tap.

Hayes, who arrived in a deal that sent Reilly Smith to the Panthers last summer, finished the 2015-16 season with 13 goals, 29 points and 60 PIM in 75 games, to go along with a minus-12 rating. It was a disappointing homecoming for the Boston native who was held without a point over his last 16 games and notched just one goal in his last 21 contests. At 6-foot-5, 221 pounds, Hayes brings plenty of goalie-screening size to the table, but it didn’t result in much of an impact (just five points) when he saw power-play time. The Bruins are hoping Hayes that is able to bounce back from his lackluster campaign, which would largely be achieved by maintaining a higher level of consistency than he maintained last season. At his best, Hayes is a big-bodied presence with a solid nose for the net, though at present his fantasy prospects are tough to gauge, given that his line placement with the B’s has yet to be determined. If he shows well in camp, we suspect he should be able to lock down a winger spot on the team’s third line.

Hayes, who turns 26 in November, is coming off a season in which he scored 19 goals and 35 points over 72 games with the Panthers. With the B’s having parted ways with forwards Carl Soderberg, Milan Lucic and Reilly Smith this summer, Hayes -- who was acquired in a trade that sent Smith to Florida -- will be tasked along with free-agent signee Matt Beleskey and relative newcomer Brett Connolly to fill spots on the team’s top three lines. Of course, the fantasy ceiling of the 6-foot-6, 221-pounder hinges largely on whether or not he cracks the Bruins’ top six up front and how much power play duty he sees, but in any case, he’ll provide the squad with a big-bodied forward with some scoring touch. Moreover, with continuity in mind, note that the Dorchester, Mass. native, who played three seasons at nearby Boston College, will be sticking in the Bay State for the next few seasons at a manageable cap hit after signing a three-year, $6.9 million contract with the Bruins.

Hayes is a big, physical forward who scored 11 goals and 18 points in 53 games for Florida. He will likely start out the year on the roster, but on the third or fourth line. The interesting part is whether he gets into the power play mix to provide a physical presence in front of the net. The 24 year-old has some upside and with the Panthers looking to compete in the next couple of years, he has the chance to find a solid role.

Hayes is big, strong and fast, and could make a move to the big club this season after scoring 25 goals and accumulating 45 points in 67 games for Rockford of the AHL in 2012-13. He fits the mold of a power forward, but he doesn't use his 6-5 frame to full physical advantage, at least not yet. He might some day see time on the second line, but he'll likely contribute most to the Hawks as a third-line checker.

Hayes had a good debut for the Blackhawks last year in his rookie season. The 22-year-old, 6-6 winger skated in 31 games and showed glimpses of promise with five goals and four assists. He will hope to get a further hold on a full-time spot with the Blackhawks, but there is plenty of young competition so expect him to see time on the AHL/NHL shuttle this year.

Hayes was assigned to Rockford of the AHL in September. After signing a contract in March, Hayes skated seven games for the Rockford IceHogs, but did not register a point. This will be his first full season in professional hockey after finishing his career at Boston College.

The reigning Stanley Cup winners acquired Hayes from Toronto on draft day, 2010. He is expected to continue his development with a third season playing right wing for Boston College.

Hayes is a long way off but if this kid develops as many think he can, he could be the second-coming of Todd Bertuzzi (pre brain cramp Bert). He's just 19 and already 6-5, and he's putting on muscle every year. He'll be a four-year college kid and like all power forwards will mature slowly. But he could top out someday at 70 points and 100 PIMs. He's worth monitoring from a distance.

Hayes was taken in the second round (60th) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He's a big man -- 6-5 and 210 at 18 -- but like all power forwards, he needs to grow into his game. He's off to Boston College to 'blossom' and won't likely see pro duty until his college career is over.