Kevin Hayes, the Chicago' first-round draft pick in 2010, became an unrestricted free agent after he and the team were unable to agree on a contract prior to the league's 5 p.m. ET deadline Friday.
Hayes, a 22-year-old forward, was selected by the Blackhawks as the No. 24 pick of the 2010 draft, and the team held his exclusive rights until Friday.
The Blackhawks will be compensated with the No. 24 overall pick in the second round of the 2015 NHL draft because they did extend an entry-level contract to Hayes.
"We offered Kevin what we believed was a generous and fair contract," Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said in a statement Friday. "Unfortunately, he felt it was in his best interests to become a free agent. We are looking forward to the compensatory draft pick we are receiving and are focused on the excitement surrounding the start of training camp next month."
Via Scott Power/ESPN
