My question isn't who has more value (everything you said is correct and I agree). It's is Hayes considered the better player? He might be by NYR fans.
Zucc is a really good player.
Many look at the stats of NYRs skaters and see that they look kind of average. But remember that since like 07’ NYR have had a worthless PP (except during stretches) and no real offensive elite dynamo whatsoever, two scorers in Gabby and Nash, but nobody that creates a lot of offense.
Zucc shouldn’t be overrated, but he definitely could have scored a lot of pts if he had played more with better players. As it have been, he has more or less been the driver offensively for NYR.
Zucc is also a player that can play in any role. He has often been the guy on his line forces to take the most defensive responsibility. I think he would be a really good add for a great team. No doubt.
Hayes in a sense has potential to take on a much bigger role, he could carry a 2nd line for a contender. He has been sick this season, many times the best player on the ice. But he is also a player who you must adjust — a lot — more to. You must build a unit around him.