Hayes left Sunday’s game after playing just 8:41 TOI and did not return. Hayes was seen walking stiffly with a brace on his left leg after the game, which isn’t a good sign for his availability for Monday’s game. Hayes will be evaluated on Monday, so expect an update later today.

Hayes, 24, had an excellent rookie season and was among the breakout candidates heading into 2015-16, but he struggled for the majority of the year. He scored 14 goals with 22 assists, falling short of his 17-goal, 28-assist rookie campaign. Heading into 2016-17, Hayes remains an intriguing sleeper option given his great size and skill, but he will need to find a way to break into the Rangers’ top-6 if he’s going to have huge impact.

Hayes was a healthy scratch for the last two games, but will get back into the lineup on Tuesday. Alain Vigneault has not been impressed with the 23-year-olds game lately so he sat him for a couple of nights. The second-year forward had 45 points (17G / 28A) last year, but has just 17 points (6G / 11A) in 37 games this season—on pace for 37 points (13G / 24A). Maybe this time off will wake Hayes’ offensive game up and he can become fantasy relevant again.

Hayes was one of the last players on the ice at the Rangers morning skate which suggests he will serve as a healthy scratch tonight vs. Minnesota. He was also bumped off of the power-play, which is another sign that he will not play. Ryan Malone is expected to take his spot in the lineup, with Martin St. Louis moving to his spot as the first line centre. Hayes has one goal and one assist in six games.