Penguins forward Kevin Hayes has three goals in six games since his return to the lineup on Jan. 3.

From Dec. 10 to Dec. 31, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Kevin Hayes found himself watching games from the press box as a healthy scratch.

Then, on Jan. 3 against the Florida Panthers, he finally got his chance to establish himself back into the Penguins' lineup.

And he has not disappointed. In six games since his return to the lineup in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Panthers, Hayes has three goals. He has been deployed as the team's third-line center during that time - mostly flanking Drew O'Connor and Jesse Puljujarvi - and he has also seen time on Pittsburgh's power play.

Hayes is fourth on the Penguins in expected goals share at 55.2 percent among players who have logged 100 or more minutes, which is behind only Philip Tomasino, Rickard Rakell, and Sidney Crosby. He is also sixth in expected goals per 60 minutes, which trails only players who have been deployed largely in Pittsburgh's top-six this season.

"He's a good player, obviously," head coach Mike Sullivan said. "He's got great offensive instincts. He can score goals, he can finish, he's pretty good in the faceoff circle... he has poise with the puck, he doesn't throw it away, he hangs onto it. He has good size, he's strong. When he's skating, I think he can be an effective player."

The 32-year-old center - acquired from the St. Louis Blues during the offseason - is driving offense on the third line in the metrics and on the scoresheet, as the line has combined for four goals and seven points in the six games.

On the season, Hayes has seven goals and 10 points in 28 games, and he is likely set to play alongside O'Connor and Philip Tomasino against the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday.

Penguins Forward Stepping Up In Big Way After Return To Lineup