Kevin Hayes Out 2-3 Weeks

The New York Rangers will be without forward Kevin Hayes for the next 2-3 weeks.

Hayes had been on a hot streak as of late, with seven points in his previous six games before leaving Sunday’s matinée against the Red Wings in the third period. The Rangers announced that Hayes underwent an MRI on Monday morning and will be out of the lineup with a lower-body injury.

The big forward is on pace to set career-highs in goals, assists, and points. Despite the prognosis, that’s still achievable thanks to the All-Star break. A two week absence would mean five games in the press box; three weeks would see him miss nine games. Hayes has 35 points in 47 games this season, good for third on the Rangers. He’s previously scored 45 and 36 points in his first two seasons.

It’s a tough break for the Rangers, who were just beginning to get healthy. Dan Rosen, of NHL.com, tweets that Hayes’ injury means Matt Puempel will be around longer, despite Rick Nash, Mika Zibanejad, and Pavel Buchnevich all returning to the lineup.