Blackhawks GM confirms Kevin Hayes will become a free agent

The Chicago Blackhawks could not come to terms with the 24th overall pick in the 2010 NHL entry draft, center Kevin Hayes, and will be compensated with the 54th overall pick in 2015.

General manager Stan Bowman released a statement saying, "We offered Kevin what we believed was a generous and fair contract. Unfortunately, he felt it was in his best interests to become a free agent."

Hayes is rumored to be eyeing the Calgary Flames as his landing spot, with two of his linemates from Boston College already in the team's system. Flames general manager Brad Treliving has been mum on the subject.

In his fourth season with Boston College, Hayes scored 65 points in 40 games.