Gavin Hayes Bio
Gavin Hayes is an American professional ice hockey player who plays as a left winger for the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League (AHL), where he serves as a prospect for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Hayes was selected by the Blackhawks in the third round, 66th overall, of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Standing 6 ft 1 in and weighing roughly 176 lb, the Michigan native shoots right and has quickly progressed through junior and professional ranks since beginning his junior career with the Flint Firebirds.
Early Life and Background
Gavin Hayes was born on May 14, 2004, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, in the United States. Growing up in a competitive hockey environment, he developed his game alongside family members who shared his passion for the sport. His early years in Michigan helped lay the foundation for a career that would eventually lead him into one of the most recognized junior leagues in North America.
Hayes comes from a hockey-driven household with three brothers who also play the game. His older brother, Avery Hayes, is a forward under contract to the Pittsburgh Penguins, while his younger brother, Travis Hayes, plays as a forward for the Soo Greyhounds. The family’s youngest brother, Elijah Hayes, was drafted by the Soo Greyhounds in the 12th round of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection on April 12, 2025, continuing the family’s tradition in the sport.
Path to Hockey
Hayes began his junior hockey career with the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League during the 2021-22 season. In his first OHL campaign, he gained valuable postseason experience as the Firebirds advanced to the conference finals before falling in seven games to the Windsor Spitfires. That early exposure to high-stakes playoff hockey helped shape his development as a two-way winger.
During the 2022-23 season, Hayes set junior career highs with 41 goals and 40 assists for 81 points in 66 games, establishing himself as one of the Firebirds’ most productive offensive players. On January 7, 2024, he was traded to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, where he finished his junior career alongside his brother Travis. His strong play in the OHL convinced the Chicago Blackhawks to invest in his future, leading to his professional transition.
Gavin Hayes Career
Early Career (2021–2024)
Hayes opened his junior career with the Flint Firebirds in 2021-22, playing a supporting role on a team that reached the OHL conference finals. His combination of speed, scoring touch, and physicality drew the attention of NHL scouts, and he was selected 66th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
Following his breakout 81-point season in 2022-23, Hayes was traded to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in January 2024 to finish his junior eligibility. On April 3, 2023, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Blackhawks, formally beginning his path toward professional hockey.
Rockford IceHogs Era (2024–Present)
Hayes made his professional debut with the Rockford IceHogs in the 2024-25 AHL season. In 50 games during his rookie campaign, he recorded 5 goals and 10 assists, contributing as a dependable bottom-six forward while adjusting to the pace and physical demands of professional hockey.
His debut season was hampered by a severely sprained shoulder, which limited his offensive output but did not prevent him from establishing himself as a regular in the IceHogs lineup. Playing under contract that runs through 2026, Hayes continues to develop within the Blackhawks organization as he works toward a potential NHL opportunity.
Playing Style and Strengths
Hayes is recognized as a competitive left winger with a right-handed shot, offering versatility in both even-strength and special-teams situations. His strengths include a heavy shot, strong skating, and the willingness to play a physical brand of hockey along the boards and in front of the net. Those tools, combined with his scoring instincts developed in the OHL, give him a well-rounded profile as a forward prospect.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most memorable moments of Hayes’ young career was his 81-point season with the Flint Firebirds in 2022-23, a campaign that cemented his status as a top NHL prospect. He was also part of the Firebirds team that reached the 2022 OHL conference finals and later reunited with his brother Travis on the Soo Greyhounds in 2023-24.
Gavin Hayes Career Highlights
Across his junior and professional career, Gavin Hayes has collected milestone victories and statistical achievements that reflect his steady rise through the ranks. His transition from OHL standout to AHL rookie underscores the consistent progression that has defined his trajectory since being drafted in 2022.
OHL Highlights
In the Ontario Hockey League, Hayes produced 41 goals and 40 assists for 81 points in 66 games during the 2022-23 season with the Flint Firebirds, setting career highs across all major offensive categories. He also appeared in the 2022 OHL conference finals with the Firebirds and later suited up for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds after a January 7, 2024 trade.
AHL Performances
In his first AHL season with the Rockford IceHogs, Hayes recorded 5 goals and 10 assists in 50 games, navigating the challenges of professional hockey and a significant shoulder injury. His debut campaign laid the groundwork for further development within the Chicago Blackhawks organization.
Gavin Hayes Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Hockey runs deep in the Hayes family, with all four brothers pursuing the sport at competitive levels. Gavin Hayes’ older brother Avery Hayes plays forward under contract to the Pittsburgh Penguins, while his younger brother Travis Hayes is a forward for the Soo Greyhounds. The family’s youngest brother, Elijah Hayes, was selected by the Soo Greyhounds in the 12th round of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, signaling the family’s continued presence in the game.
Personal Life
Born and raised in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Gavin Hayes continues to pursue his professional hockey career while remaining closely tied to his family. His brothers’ parallel careers in the sport provide a unique support system as he develops within the Blackhawks organization.
2025 Season Outlook
Heading into the 2025 portion of the 2024-25 AHL season, Gavin Hayes remains a key developmental prospect for the Chicago Blackhawks within the Rockford IceHogs lineup. Building on his rookie-year totals of 5 goals and 10 assists in 50 games, he is expected to take on an expanded role as he continues recovering from the shoulder injury that hampered his debut campaign.
With his entry-level contract running through 2026, Hayes has time to refine his two-way game and push for an NHL opportunity with the Blackhawks. His performance in the second half of the 2024-25 season will be closely monitored by the organization as he competes for ice time and showcases the offensive skills that produced 81 points in his final full OHL season.
As the IceHogs push toward the AHL Calder Cup Playoffs, Hayes’ combination of scoring ability and physical play should continue to be an asset. His progression will be a central storyline for Blackhawks prospect watchers throughout the remainder of the 2025 calendar.
