Travis Hayes (RW, R, 5’11”, 175, Soo Greyhounds, 09/03/2007)
Travis Hayes is a shoot-first right winger who brings speed, quick decision-making, and a motor that allows him to play an up-tempo, north-south game with flashes of creativity. In his draft season, he recorded 21 goals and 30 assists for 51 points in 65 games, ranking top-five on his team in every major offensive category while also finishing +8. Hayes averaged 17:23 TOI per game and contributed on both special teams. His blend of pace, shot quality, and defensive commitment gives him value as a reliable, pace-driving middle-six winger with abrasiveness and match-up upside if his offensive consistency improves.
Statistical Profile (2024–25)
Games Played: 65
Goals: 21 | Assists: 30 | Points: 51 | Plus/Minus: +8
PIMs: 61 | TOI/Game: 17:23 | PPT: 1:58 | SHT: 1:12
SOG/Game: 2.3 | Scoring Chances/Game: 2.1 | SC%: 14%
Puck Battles/Game: 14 | Win %: 45%
Pass Accuracy: 83% | Hits Given/Received: 1.23 / 1.34
Giveaways: 5.8 | Takeaways: 3.6 | Blocked Shots: 0.47
Reasons to Draft
High-End Shot and Release
Hayes owns one of the better pure releases among mid-round draft candidates. His ability to shoot off movement, change angles with subtle drags, and hit small targets from medium and high-danger areas makes him a legitimate power play flanker in junior hockey. His 21 goals and 14% scoring chance conversion rate reflect his dangerous shooting presence, particularly when he has time to load and pick corners.
Speed and Mental Processing
A high-motor skater with the speed to separate and the hockey IQ to stay ahead of the play. Hayes processes the game well, rarely skating himself into trouble, and uses his pace to force defenders into poor gaps. His offensive reads off the puck are mature, and he consistently positions himself to support the puck or time his routes to arrive with speed.
Defensive Engagement and Penalty Killing
A responsible three-zone winger who logs over a minute per night shorthanded. Hayes anticipates breakout routes and uses his feet to disrupt passing lanes. He’s physical (1.23 hits PG), he plays with detail and structure, especially when pressuring the puck on the backcheck or killing plays at the defensive blue line.
Low Center of Gravity and Balance
Despite average size, Hayes is strong on his skates. He competes hard along the wall and rarely gets knocked off the puck cleanly. This sturdiness allows him to protect pucks in-cycle and delay for support while also helping him be effective in 1v1 battles despite just a 45% win rate.
Reasons Not to Draft
Physicality or Power Game at under 6’0″, 195-lbs
Hayes brings physicality, intimidation and an edge to his game, but at his size how long will his body hold up playing versus NHL sized opponents? His 1.23 hits per game and penalty drawn rate (0.55) point to a player who antagonizes opponents into trouble, but he may struggle against larger, more physical competition unless he adds mass and assertiveness.
Offensive Inconsistency and Turnovers
Hayes finished 5th on the team in scoring but had prolonged stretches of low impact, particularly at even strength. His 5.8 giveaways per game are concerning and point to a need to improve puck protection and simplify in high-traffic areas.
Undersized For Pro Role Type
At 5’11”, 175 lbs, Hayes lacks the frame of a traditional checking-line winger but at this point isn’t dynamic enough to project as a top-six scorer. Without further strength development or standout offensive production, he risks falling into a “tweener” profile — not physical enough for a bottom six, not skilled enough for a top six.
Heavy Reliance on Shooting for Impact
Hayes’ most translatable skill is his shot, but when he’s not scoring, he can fade into the background. He averages just 0.69 pre-shot passes per game, showing he’s more of a finisher than a dual-threat creator. This limits his ability to drive lines independently.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Bottom-six NHL winger with penalty kill and match-up upside. Likely AHL contributor with potential to move up organizational depth charts if he improves strength and inside game.
Development Focus: Strength training, board battle efficiency, reducing turnovers, and improving playmaking confidence.
Draft Range: 5th–7th Round
Verdict: Hayes’ skating, shot, and pace-driven style give him a foundation that’s worth investing in late in the draft. He has enough two-way detail and special teams value to project as a potential NHL bottom-six winger if his offense continues to translate. He should be high on a watch-list candidate even if undrafted.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images