Rookie’s Historic Performance Leads Penguins Against Sabres
Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Avery Hayes delivered one of the most memorable debuts in recent NHL history on Thursday, scoring twice in his first game to lead the Penguins past the Buffalo Sabres before the Olympic break.
The 23-year-old forward, who was called up just eight hours before puck drop, scored his first NHL goal on his very first shot midway through the opening period. Hayes beat Sabres defenseman Jacob Bryson to a loose puck near the blue line, broke free on a partial breakaway, and finished with a snap shot to tie the game 1-1.
Just nine minutes later in the first period, Hayes struck again. His second goal gave Pittsburgh a 2-1 advantage and left his family—watching from the stands—in tears of joy. His brother sat in disbelief, hands on his head as the crowd erupted.
From AHL Call-Up to Instant Impact
Hayes’ unexpected promotion came due to injuries and absences affecting the Penguins’ lineup. The team recalled the forward from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins to address the unavailability of center Blake Lizotte (attending the birth of his child), forward Noel Acciari (illness), and winger Rickard Rakell (lower-body injury). The quick turnaround worked in Hayes’ favor.
“It was pretty quick turnaround, but honestly it was probably a good thing because I didn’t have much time to think or stress about it,” Hayes said in a first-intermission interview with Sportsnet Pittsburgh. “I just got to go out there and play.”
This season, Hayes had accumulated 23 points (13 goals and 10 assists) in 31 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, ranking second on the team in goals. His performance Thursday showcased why Pittsburgh signed the undrafted free agent in March 2025.
Building a Dream Story
Hayes’ journey to the NHL exemplifies perseverance. The Westland, Michigan native went undrafted but earned his shot with Pittsburgh after an impressive year in the AHL. He is a two-time OHL champion who spent four seasons with the Hamilton Bulldogs and Peterborough Petes, recording 203 points across 237 games in junior hockey.
His younger brother, Travis, currently plays for the Soo Greyhounds. The siblings previously had the opportunity to suit up together during the Penguins’ 2025 Prospects Challenge, but Thursday’s debut marked a milestone moment for the family.
Hayes became the 778th former ECHL player to reach the National Hockey League and the 10th player to make his NHL debut during the 2025-26 season.
