NHL Career Concludes
Kevin Hayes Retires From NHL After Twelve Seasons and Recent KHL Stint
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Hayes signed a seven-year, $50 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2019; the deal expired this offseason, making him an unrestricted free agent, and carried a $7.14 million salary-cap hit.
2
During his time in Philadelphia, Hayes won the Gene Hart Memorial Trophy after the 2019-20 season and served as an alternate captain. He also contributed regularly on both the power play and penalty kill.
3
Hayes made an immediate playoff impact with the Rangers in 2015, recording seven points in 19 games as New York advanced to the Eastern Conference Final before losing to Tampa Bay in seven games.
4
His 2022-23 season with Philadelphia included 18 goals and 54 points in 81 games, while his career-best goal total came in 2017-18, when he scored 25 times for the Rangers.
5
Although drafted by Chicago, Hayes never played for the Blackhawks; he made his NHL debut with the New York Rangers in 2014.
Kevin Hayes, a 34-year-old forward who spent 12 seasons in the NHL, announced his retirement after a brief stint in the KHL. Clutch Points reported that Hayes, drafted 24th overall by Chicago in 2010, played 805 regular-season games across five teams — the Rangers, Jets, Flyers, Blues, and Penguins — recording 185 goals and 445 points. Hayes said his body could no longer perform at the level he demanded of himself.
Hayes appeared in just 28 games for Pittsburgh during the 2025-26 season before signing with Russian club Ak Bars Kazan. Mod Bee noted he played five scoreless games in the KHL before deciding to hang up his skates. His decision came after realizing he could not accept performing below his own standards.
A Career Peak With Philadelphia and New York
Hayes' best season came in 2022-23 with Philadelphia, when he scored 18 goals and 54 points in 81 games while serving as an alternate captain. Boston.com noted that the Dorchester native also won the Gene Hart Memorial Trophy after the 2019-20 season with the Flyers. He had signed a seven-year, $50 million contract with Philadelphia in 2019, giving him financial security throughout much of his final decade in hockey.
Early in his career, Hayes made an immediate impact with the Rangers. In 2015, he recorded seven points in 19 playoff games as New York reached the Eastern Conference Final before falling to Tampa Bay in seven games. His 2017-18 season marked his career-best for goals, when he scored 25 times for the Rangers.
The Physical Toll of Professional Hockey
Throughout his 12-year career, Hayes battled multiple injuries that limited his availability and performance. His final season with Pittsburgh saw him appear in fewer than 30 games, signaling his declining ability to stay healthy and productive. The recurring injuries, combined with his body's inability to recover fully, ultimately drove his decision to retire while still relatively young.
Hayes also faced significant personal challenges beyond the rink. In 2021, his brother Jimmy Hayes — a former NHL player — died, adding emotional weight to the physical demands of professional hockey. Despite these setbacks, Hayes maintained a steady presence across five franchises, demonstrating durability and consistency when healthy.
A Late-Career Journey Across Five Teams
After his strong years with New York and Philadelphia, Hayes moved through the Jets, Blues, and Penguins in his final seasons. The frequent moves reflected the reality of aging NHL players seeking roles where they could still contribute. His contract with Philadelphia had expired this offseason, making him an unrestricted free agent at 34 years old with a $7.14 million salary-cap hit on the books.
The KHL opportunity with Ak Bars Kazan represented one last chance to play professional hockey at a high level. However, five scoreless games in Russia made it clear that Hayes' body would not permit him to continue. His decision to retire rather than chase another contract showed maturity and self-awareness about his declining capabilities.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
15
Articles
20
Reach
35
A
AnonymousAuthor
