Or just bury Hayes in Providence and get better value for a 40-50 point centerman. Hayes' contract is not bad where you need to use a pick/prospect/etc. to get him off. Better options available.

I think a 2nd round pick is due for Spooner, so his value dips 1 round when packaged with Hayes. Spooner could get offer sheeted to a deal around 2M. The price for not matching would likely be a 2nd rounder. If you'd rather have Jimmy Hayes in Providence around a lot of guys like Bjork, Heinen, Zboril, Lauzon, DeBrusk ect... then I guess you'd keep him. I don't really agree with having him at any level as any part of the team. He's been awful for us both years he's been here, doesn't skate hard and doesn't finish his checks even though he has an enormous body. I don't really want to introduce a vet who plays like that to our prospects. It's counterproductive and I'll surely be okay with drafting 1 round later for the ability to ensure he doesn't corrupt all the new prospects coming in next season. It's about the entire picture and what his level of competence is. If Sweeny and Jimmy Hayes were Gladiators and Sweeny had Hayes dominated, I would definitely give Hayes the thumbs down. He's done enough for us to move on from him.