The Rangers have had scouts following the Avs the last few weeks and there has been speculation in the past linking Kevin Hayes to Colorado.

Adrian Dater says that there is almost “no chance” that the Avs will trade for Hayes because Colorado is not going to trade “top prospects or top draft picks” for a rental or short-term help. (BSN Denver)

Elliotte Friedman writes at Sportsnet that the Rangers “primary interests” in a return for Hayes are not likely to come from the NHL level. (Sportsnet)

He notes that an “obvious connection” with the Rangers and Avs would be Colorado prospect Shane Bowers (27th overall in 2017) because he spent last season at BU under David Quinn. (Sportsnet)

Friedman adds that the Avs are going to “zealously protect” their top prospects and picks. (Sportsnet)

Mark Kiszla writes in the Denver Post that the Avs should trade for Hayes but that it only makes sense if Colorado wants to sign him long-term. (Denver Post)

Adam Rotter: Hayes would fit with the Avs but I’m not sure there is a great fit with the Rangers and Avs to strike a deal for him. Colorado certainly has the picks, prospects and young assets to acquire Hayes but they don’t seem inclined to move any of them, certainly not for a rental. There is likely to be a ton of interest in Hayes and that should allow the Rangers to get, at the very least, something similar to what they got in return for Rick Nash last year. That is, of course, if the Rangers decide to move Hayes.