Penguins sign forward Avery Hayes to two-year, entry-level contract

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed forward Avery Hayes to a two-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Thursday.

Hayes has 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists) in 44 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League this season.

The 22-year-old from Westland, Mich., signed an AHL contract with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Hayes recorded nine points (six goals, three assists) in 29 games last season with the club. He also played one game with the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers.

Hayes won back-to-back OHL titles with the Hamilton Bulldogs (2022) and Peterborough Petes (2023).