Here's the top centers available on July 1st:
Duchene, Pavelski, Hayes, Thorton, Nelson
There's a few others but I'd say they are the top ones.

Duchene is one of the biggest names of this year's UFA class and he's the top center available so
considering the age of Pavelski+Thorton and given they're likely staying in San Jose and Nelson is probably staying in NY I wouldn't be surprised to see Kevin Hayes get more then the $5.9 projected here considering there's so few centers on the market.
I don't think it'd be at all surprising to see Hayes sign somewhere in the $6.5-7 range. It'll be interesting to see where he signs and for how much.

I heard on TSN radio last week that where the Jets/Stastny signing fell apart wasn't money but it was term, the Jets didn't want to do the 3rd year that Vegas was willing to do, obviously I don't know if that's for sure true but if it is they sure effed that up.

I think a lot of those are pretty solid predictions.

I don't think Hayes gets more. He's really not a high end 2C and everyone knows that.

I agree re: Hayes. I was a little surprised the projection was that low. As per Stastny, I've heard the exact opposite: Jets matched term but couldn't match the AAV he got in Vegas.

Hmm wonder what it really was then.

I agree and I've never thought too much of Hayes, always thought he was pretty overrated but every year there's some GM'S that hand out big coin to some guys that just aren't worth it, wonder if this July 1 we'll see the same or have GM'S learned that UFA'S rarely payoff for the team that signs them.

i could see both. they were probably willing to match AAV at 2 years, but not at 3. at 3 they probably would have offered a lower AAV