Penguins Prospect Avery Hayes Pushing for NHL Lineup Spot

Rookie forward makes strong case for increased playing time down the stretch

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Avery Hayes, a Pittsburgh Penguins prospect, made a strong impression in his NHL debut, scoring two goals. With the Penguins' fourth-line forward Noel Acciari out due to illness, Hayes was given an opportunity and capitalized. Though Acciari is expected to return to the lineup, Hayes' performance has the Penguins organization intrigued about potentially giving him more chances to earn a regular spot on the NHL roster, especially with the team facing a grueling schedule in March.

Why it matters

The Penguins have a deep forward group, but Hayes' debut has opened the door for him to potentially earn more playing time, either by rotating in and out of the lineup or potentially even through a trade of one of the team's current fourth-line forwards. As the Penguins gear up for a playoff push, having fresh legs and new offensive options could be a valuable asset.

The details

In his NHL debut, the 22-year-old Hayes scored two goals, showing off his offensive skill set. He was initially inserted into the lineup due to Acciari's absence, but has continued to produce since being sent back to the AHL, recording a hat trick in his first game back. Hayes' strong play has the Penguins organization considering ways to get him more opportunities at the NHL level, either by rotating him in and out of the lineup or potentially through a trade involving one of the team's current fourth-line forwards.

  • Avery Hayes made his NHL debut on February 16, 2026, scoring two goals.
  • Hayes was sent back to the AHL during the Olympic break, where he recorded a hat trick in his first game back.
  • The Penguins face a grueling 17-game schedule in March against many of the league's top teams.

The players

Avery Hayes

A 22-year-old prospect in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization who made a strong impression in his NHL debut, scoring two goals.

Noel Acciari

A fourth-line forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who was out due to illness, opening the door for Hayes' NHL debut.

Miller Huggins

The former manager of the New York Yankees who famously replaced Wally Pipp with Lou Gehrig, leading to Gehrig's legendary ironman streak.

Wally Pipp

The former New York Yankees first baseman who was replaced by Lou Gehrig, leading to the term "getting Wally Pipp'd" in sports.

Lou Gehrig

The legendary New York Yankees first baseman who replaced Wally Pipp and went on to play in a then-record 2,130 consecutive games.

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What they’re saying

“The second you think pieces of your fourth line are unmovable, you've got yourself a problem.”

— Josh Yohe, Writer (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Penguins will have to decide how to best utilize Hayes down the stretch, either by rotating him into the lineup or potentially through a trade involving one of their current fourth-line forwards. With the NHL trade deadline on March 6th, the Penguins will have more roster flexibility to get Hayes back on the NHL squad.

The takeaway

Avery Hayes' strong NHL debut has opened the door for him to potentially earn more playing time with the Penguins down the stretch, as the team looks to balance their deep forward group and keep fresh legs in the lineup for a playoff push. Hayes' emergence could also impact the Penguins' offseason plans, as they evaluate the futures of pending free agents Noel Acciari and Connor Dewar.