Avery Hayes keeps lighting the lamp for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, ripping off another hat trick in their 7-2 rout of Springfield that has Penguins brass buzzing. The kid's got eight goals in six February games, turning heads with 19 tallies in 35 AHL outings this season after his electric NHL debut. With Sidney Crosby nursing a leg injury post-Olympic break, Hayes positions himself as the recall call-up every GM dreams about when Pittsburgh needs scoring punch.

Avery Hayes walked into KeyBank Center as an anonymous call-up from the AHL and walked out as Pittsburgh Penguins history. The 23-year-old undrafted forward scored twice in his NHL debut against Buffalo, joining an exclusive club of Penguins who've announced themselves this way. Hayes becomes just the 12th undrafted player since the 1963 NHL Draft to score multiple goals in his first game, a feat that immediately signals he's more than organizational depth.

Avery Hayes keeps forcing Kyle Dubas's hand after that quick recall from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and now the Penguins brass wonders just how deep he carves into the NHL roster down the stretch. The kid's been lighting it up in the AHL while Pittsburgh sorts through its bottom-six mess amid injury chaos and trade tweaks. With the playoff race tightening, Dubas can't ignore a winger who's proving he belongs if he keeps this pace-those front-office eyes are locked on every shift.

Avery Hayes straps on the mic, and you know that means unfiltered gold from the ice. This kid's got that Hayes family edge - think Sean with a modern twist - and NHL.com captures every chirp and crunch. Front offices whisper about his upside, but hearing him live reveals why scouts circle when he shifts. The league's always hunting the next agitator who plays bigger than his contract.

Penguins prospect Avery Hayes dazzles with an AHL hat trick right after his electric NHL debut, turning heads in Wilkes-Barre. Scouts whisper he's the next grinder who sticks, but Pittsburgh brass weighs recall options amid a tight playoff push. His rocket rise forces tough choices on a blue line craving depth before the Olympic break ends.

Avery Hayes keeps the magic rolling with another tally, this time roofing a slick Anthony Mantha feed in his dream debut. The chemistry sparks instantly between the call-up and vet, fueling Pittsburgh's fire. Moments like this whisper of lineup locks post-Olympics.