New York Rangers' most deserving All-Star Captain left off the ballot

The NHL announced a new All-Star voting format on Thursday, allowing voters to select from four options named by the league. Under the new format many deserving players require write-in votes to make the team as Captain. Among those is the most deserving Ranger, Kevin Hayes.

When the NHL announced the new All-Star voting format, Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan McDonagh, Rick Nash, and Mats Zuccarello were named options for fans to select to make the game as a Captain. Left off was the most deserving Ranger, Kevin Hayes. While the quartet project to be deserving of the accolade, none has proven to be as effective as Hayes.

Hayes entered the season having lost 20 pounds, (22 if you ask Pierre McGuire) a change that earned the respect of Alain Vigneault. Vigneault infamously scratched Hayes in the postseason in favor of Tanner Glass, making the new-found respect surprising and refreshing. Hayes earned a role of greater significance straight off the bat, seeing his ice time skyrocket.

Said Vigneault:

“He’s helped us with his size on breakouts and coverage. For me, he’s a young man going through the process of becoming an all-around complete player. I think he’s learning from his first two years and he’s trying to put it together.”

The New York Rangers rank first in the NHL in goals, assists, and wins. Hayes ranks 2nd on the team in goals, 2nd in points, and 3rd among healthy skaters in average time on ice. Hayes has played in all situations regularly, aiding the Rangers 9th ranked penalty kill.

Perhaps the most surprising trend has been Hayes’ usage at even strength. On a team loaded with forward talent, Hayes has played the second most minutes of any Ranger forward. Despite playing in his third season in the NHL, Hayes is excelling in a key role for a top NHL team.

More important than any statistics or facts, however, is Hayes’ value as a showman. The All-Star game is about skill and flair, two areas Hayes wows in. Lundqvist is a top goaltender, but he has been there before. McDonagh made the team last year, while Rick Nash is an All-Star regular. Mats Zuccarello would make for a terrific send to the game, but his numbers trail Hayes’.

Hayes’ Twitter account points to his being a leader.

Exhibit A- Understanding the importance of lettuce in salad.

An error occurred while retrieving the Tweet. It might have been deleted.

Would you want a leader that does not understand how to make a salad? Didn’t think so.

Exhibit B- Hayes makes sure his teammates are happy.

So happy he was tall enough to get on the ride @zuccarello36 pic.twitter.com/wWXQYmZzjl

— Kevin Hayes (@KevinPHayes12) January 7, 2015

Exhibit C- Hayes is willing to challenge simplicity.

Shouldn't a group of squids be called a squad? #c'monman

— Kevin Hayes (@KevinPHayes12) September 15, 2014

At 6’5 and 225 pounds, Hayes towers over his opponents. Hayes dekes out defensemen and goaltenders using his long reach, creating plays from scratch.

Exhibit A: Kevin Hayes fends off Thomas Hickey to power the puck in the net.

Exhibit B: Kevin Hayes dekes Braden Holtby into submission, Peter Forsberg style.

Finally, from this season, Exhibit C: Kevin Hayes fights off Victor Hedman and Tyler Johnson simultaneously to create a Michael Grabner goal. Hedman and Johnson, All-Star candidates themselves, stood no chance.

Is that not the type of talent we expect to see leading the way in the All-Star game?

The choice is clear. Kevin Hayes must be written in to lead the Metropolitan Division in the All-Star game.