"We are very pleased to have John join our organization," said Armstrong. "John is a big, tough, physical winger who is difficult to play against. He is also a smart player with good hockey sense. He will add size and grit for our forward group."
Last season, the 6-foot-3, 223-pound Hayden played in 43 games for the New Jersey Devils, recording 3-1-4 and 77 penalty minutes (PIM). Prior to that, he played three seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks (2016-2019), collecting 8-14-22 and 85 PIM in 113 games. In 156 career NHL games, Hayden has posted 11-15-26 and 162 PIM.
The 25-year-old native of Chicago, IL played four seasons at Yale University (ECAC), registering 50-41-91 in 127 NCAA games. Hayden was originally drafted by Chicago (3rd round, 74th overall) in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
