NHL Debut: Avery Hayes (February 5th, 2026)

Avery Hayes is set to make his NHL debut tonight with the Pittsburgh Penguins as they face the Buffalo Sabres in the club’s final game before the Olympic break.

The 23-year-old forward is in his third year with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL, where he has produced 23 points (13-10–23) in 31 games this season. His 13 goals rank second on the team.

A two-time OHL champion, Hayes went undrafted at the NHL level before signing as a free agent with Pittsburgh on March 13, 2025, following a career-best year in Scranton. Prior to that, he spent four seasons in the OHL with the Hamilton Bulldogs and Peterborough Petes, reaching the Memorial Cup with both clubs. He was originally selected by Hamilton 118th overall in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. Across 237 OHL games, Hayes recorded 203 points (106-97–203).

His younger brother, Travis, currently plays for the Soo Greyhounds, and the two had the opportunity to suit up together for the Penguins at the 2025 Prospects Challenge last September.