Blackhawks' GM Bowman on unsigned Hayes: 'We've done everything we can'

The Chicago Blackhawks have a clear message for unsigned 2010 first-round pick Kevin Hayes: the ball is in your court.

With an Aug. 15 deadline looming, the two sides remain unable to reach an agreement on an entry-level contract; but according to general manager Stan Bowman, the Blackhawks have done all they can to make it work.

"We're still waiting," Bowman said, per the Daily Herald. "Status quo from our end. We've been hopeful that they want to sign with us, and at this point (agent) Bob Murray might be in a better position on what they're thinking, but we're hopeful that he wants to be part of our organization.

"But if he doesn't, then we'll move past that. At this point it's his choice to decide what he wants to do. We've done everything we can. We have to hope he wants to be a Blackhawk."

Hayes spent the past four years at Boston College, and would be free to sign with any team as of Aug. 16. While Chicago hasn't been ruled out, it seems as though the 22-year-old may be looking for a situation that may provide him with more playing time right from the get go.