In preparation for free agency, the Boston Bruins announced that they have placed winger Jimmy Hayes on waivers with the purpose of a buyout.
The Dorchester, Massachusetts native was acquired by the Bruins back in 2015 for a trade that sent Riley Smith to the Panthers.
He played two full seasons for the Bruins, but for a variety of reasons he never really fit with the Black and Gold.
During his first season in Boston, Hayes was solid depth on the right wing. He recorded 29 points and found the back of the net on 13 occasions.
His second season with the Bruins didn’t go as well. Jimmy played 58 games during the 2016-2017 season, but only managed two goals and five points. A lower-body injury held Hayes out of the postseason.
The Bruins hoped he could be a solid depth player and offensive producer. However, the right winger’s disappointing 2016-2017 campaign was enough for the front office to decide to move on from him.
Jimmy Hayes’ buyout will take a small hit on Boston’s cap space, but it should give it enough to sign a depth player to a one-year deal in free agency. The buyout adds about $1.7 million to the Boston’s salary cap, leaving the Bruins with roughly $14.4 million to work with in free agency.
