Kevin Hayes' agent does not appear confident his client will sign with the Chicago Blackhawks prior to Friday's deadline, which means he will become an unrestricted free agent at midnight.
NHL rules stipulate a team has four years to sign draft picks who attend college, but the player must be signed by Aug. 15 of the fourth year or he will be free to negotiate a deal with other teams.
Hayes' agent Robert Murray called negotiations with Chicago "a long, thought-out process," but would not rule the Blackhawks out once Hayes hits unrestricted free agency. Chicago remains interested in Hayes' services, according to director of amateur scouting Mark Kelley.
Hayes was a Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalist in his senior year with Boston College after recording 132 points in 142 career NCAA contests.
If Hayes signs with another team, the Blackhawks will receive a compensatory selection in the 2015 entry draft – the 24th pick of the second round. Hayes was the 24th overall pick in 2010.
