Avery Hayes Scores Twice in Stunning NHL Debut

23-year-old forward makes history with Pittsburgh Penguins in thrilling win over Buffalo Sabres

Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:15am

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Avery Hayes, a 23-year-old forward, scored two goals in his spectacular NHL debut for the Pittsburgh Penguins in a 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night. This performance marks a historic moment for Hayes, as he becomes the third player in Penguins history to net multiple goals in his first NHL game, joining Jake Guentzel and Rob Brown. Additionally, he is one of only seven players in NHL history—and just the fourth since 1917—to score multiple times within the first period of his debut.

Why it matters

Hayes' unexpected debut and impressive performance highlight the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the importance of perseverance. His journey from undrafted AHL player to NHL goal scorer on a crucial night serves as an inspiration for other players with unconventional paths, showcasing that hard work and readiness can lead to unexpected opportunities and success.

The details

Hayes was called up from the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins due to injuries and illnesses among Pittsburgh's regular lineup. The day of the game, Hayes attended an optional practice in Wilkes-Barre, unaware that his NHL debut was imminent. Around 10:45 a.m., he was contacted and informed of the opportunity, and a quick plan was made to get him to Buffalo. Hayes arrived at KeyBank Center shortly after 5 p.m., slightly later than his usual 4:30 p.m. arrival time, but made it in time for the team meeting.

  • On February 6, 2026, Avery Hayes made his NHL debut for the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Buffalo Sabres.
  • Hayes scored two goals in the first period of the game.

The players

Avery Hayes

A 23-year-old forward who was called up from the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to make his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Rutger McGroarty

Avery Hayes' best friend and teammate with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Dan Muse

Head Coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Derek Avery

Manager of team operations for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, who drove Hayes to Buffalo for his NHL debut.

Paul and Mandy Hayes

Avery Hayes' parents, who were able to witness his NHL debut in person.

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What they’re saying

“Right now, I can't really put it into words. I'm just excited to see my family after they were able to make the trip. So, I have no words right now, but it was a ton of fun.”

— Avery Hayes (theconwaybulletin.com)

“We're all in tears! Our youngest son (Elijah) is with us, he's crying. We're so happy. Dreams come true.”

— Mandy Hayes, Avery Hayes' mother (theconwaybulletin.com)

“He's just put in so much work. He never gave up.”

— Paul Hayes, Avery Hayes' father (theconwaybulletin.com)

“He deserves every minute, every goal. He put in his all to get where he's at today.”

— Mandy Hayes, Avery Hayes' mother (theconwaybulletin.com)

“It was awesome. It's one of those things, anybody's first game, it's a day they're never gonna forget. But this all came up this morning. The day that he's had, like, he woke up this morning not a thought of playing a game in the NHL. And so, the way it all came about is incredible.”

— Dan Muse, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Penguins (theconwaybulletin.com)

What’s next

The Pittsburgh Penguins will continue their season, with Avery Hayes looking to build on his impressive NHL debut performance.

The takeaway

Avery Hayes' stunning NHL debut, scoring two goals in his first game, is a testament to his relentless effort and readiness to seize unexpected opportunities. His journey from undrafted AHL player to NHL goal scorer underscores the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the importance of perseverance, inspiring other players with unconventional paths to follow their dreams.