Penguins Sign Promising Prospect Avery Hayes To NHL Deal

The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a move, as they have signed forward Avery Hayes to a two-year entry-level contract, which will begin during next season.

The Penguins have signed forward Avery Hayes to a two-year entry-level contract.

Hayes has spent the 2024.25 season with the @WBSPenguins. Through 44 games, he has recorded 17 goals, 18 assists, and 35 points.

Details: https://t.co/JEe6n7jyUb pic.twitter.com/LyC1Qs7PRQ
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 13, 2025

Hayes, 22, is currently signed to an AHL deal with the Penguins' AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Clearly, the Westland, Michigan native has impressed while with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, as he has now earned this entry-level NHL contract because of it.

After posting six goals and nine points in 29 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last season, Hayes has picked up his offense significantly this campaign. In 44 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton this season, he has set new AHL career highs with 17 goals, 18 assists, and 35 points. This includes two goals and five points in his last five games.

During the 2022-23 season in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Hayes had 43 goals and 78 points in 65 games split between the Hamilton Bulldogs and Peterborough Petes. He also had 12 goals and 19 points in 22 playoff games with the Petes that season.

Overall, the Penguins certainly could use more prospects as they look to get things back on track. Thus, it makes sense that they have rewarded Hayes with this ELC, given how well he has played in the AHL this season.