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Kevin Hayes
Kevin Hayes
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Kevin Patrick Hayes (born May 8, 1992) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Key Information

Growing up in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, Hayes played hockey for the Noble and Greenough School before being drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round, 24th overall, of the 2010 NHL entry draft. Hayes chose to defer his professional career and followed his older brother Jimmy, playing four seasons with the Boston College Eagles. In his senior year, Hayes was selected for the All-Hockey East First Team and AHCA East First-Team All-American as a result of his play.

Following his tenure at Boston College, Hayes signed his first professional contract with the New York Rangers in 2014 instead of the Blackhawks. He played five seasons in New York before being traded to the Winnipeg Jets at the 2019 NHL trade deadline. After finishing the 2018–19 NHL season with the Jets, the Flyers acquired Hayes on a seven-year, $50 million contract in 2019. In the first year of his new contract, Hayes was the recipient of the teams' Gene Hart Memorial Award as the player who displays the most "heart".

Playing career

[edit]

Amateur

[edit]

Hayes got his start playing in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament, representing South Shore in 2004 and 2005. He has said of the experience, "I thought it was just another fun tournament—you go to Canada with your family and play a lot of hockey, and go play in the snow and stuff."[1] Hayes' South Shore teammates included future NHL players Noel Acciari, Chris Wagner, and Charlie Coyle.[1] He played high school hockey at Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, Massachusetts, scoring 67 points in 28 games in the 2009–10 season,[2] and was selected to participate in the 2010 U.S. National Junior Evaluation Camp.[3] The Chicago Blackhawks chose Hayes in the first round, 24th overall, in the 2010 NHL entry draft, but he chose to attend Boston College, which had recruited Jimmy a few years before.[4]

After scoring one goal and two assists in an exhibition game against the University of Toronto,[5] Hayes recorded his first NCAA career point on October 15, 2010, in a 6–2 win over the Denver Pioneers.[6] He sat out the second half of the 2010–11 season because of a posterior cruciate ligament injury,[7] and finished with 14 points in 31 games.[8] Hayes returned to the Eagles for a modest but successful 2011–12 season. He had an assist against the Air Force Falcons in the Northeast Regional semifinals of the 2012 NCAA Tournament,[9] and scored a goal against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the national semifinals.[10] Boston College won the NCAA tournament,[11] and Hayes finished the season with 28 points.[8]

Despite recording six goals and 19 assists, Hayes had a beleaguered 2012–13 season. After recording 24 points with the Eagles, he received a suspension for a violation of team rules. Eagles head coach Jerry York said the duration of the suspension would depend on how Hayes responded.[12] Then, in a February 26, 2013 match against UMass Lowell River Hawks, Hayes sustained an injury to a leg and lost consciousness in the locker room.[13] He was rushed to the hospital, where he was diagnosed with compartment syndrome.[4] He underwent four emergency surgeries on his left quadriceps femoris muscle and was hospitalized for 22 days.[14] Hayes was told that his condition had been two hours from amputation had he not been treated,[14] and there was doubt whether he would be able to return to hockey.[4]

When he was allowed to return to play, Hayes' experience with compartment syndrome changed his outlook on hockey. He told the Boston Herald, "I think I always knew how important the game was to me, but I think I had to somewhat grow up a bit and take my body serious, take my school serious, take my strength and conditioning serious, and just a mixture of those three kind of allowed me to be the player I am today."[15] Hayes returned his senior year on the Eagles' top line with Bill Arnold and Johnny Gaudreau, scoring 65 points (27 goals and 38 assists) in the 2013–14 NCAA season, and ending the season with 1.62 points per game, the second-highest in the country.[7][8] Hayes was named the MVP of the 2014 Beanpot tournament[16] and selected for the AHCA East First-Team All-American.[17]

Professional

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New York Rangers (2014–2019)

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Hayes and the Blackhawks could not agree on a contract by the August 15 NHL deadline for college graduates, and Hayes became an unrestricted free agent in 2014.[18] Less than a week later, the New York Rangers signed him to an entry-level contract with a base salary of $925,000 per season at the NHL level.[19] The Blackhawks, meanwhile, received a second-round compensatory pick in the 2015 NHL entry draft, which eventually was used to select Graham Knott.[20] Blackhawks' assistant general manager Norm Maciver called it "disappointing" Hayes chose not to sign with them saying the situation inspired the organization to become more aggressive about signing future draft picks like Michael Paliotta.[21]

After signing his contract, Hayes attended the Rangers' 2014 training camp prior to the 2014–15 season.[22] He made his NHL debut with the Rangers on October 12, 2014, in a home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing alongside Carl Hagelin and J. T. Miller. He finished his debut with 14:17 of ice time in 19 shifts and a plus-minus of negative two.[23] A few games later, while centering a line with Rick Nash and former Boston College teammate, Chris Kreider, Hayes scored his first career NHL goal against the San Jose Sharks.[24][25] He finished the regular season ranking fifth among all league rookies in both points and assists as the Rangers qualified for the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs. In the playoffs, Hayes tied for third among all rookies in points and tied for second with five assists.[26] His first postseason goal was an overtime game winner in game four to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins and give them a 3–1 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series.[27] As the Rangers advanced through the playoffs, he scored the game-tying goal in an eventual overtime win over the Washington Capitals in the second round, and recorded an assist on Dominic Moore's late third period winner in game one of the Eastern Conference Final against the Tampa Bay Lightning.[26]

While attending the Rangers' training camp before the 2015–16 season, head coach Alain Vigneault said he had decided to give Hayes a chance on the first line with Kreider and Derek Stepan.[28] His scoring declined during the season, and after a goalless 16 games, he was a health scratch for the first time that season. Speaking of his decision, Vigneault said: "I think Kevin has had an extra-long leash, especially considering (Derek Stepan) was out for quite some time, but there’s just nothing going on."[29] Hayes returned to the lineup in January after sitting out two games.[30] Despite finishing the season recording only 14 goals and 22 assists for 36 points, the Rangers signed him to a two-year, $5.2 million contract extension.[31]

Photograph of Hayes waiting for the referee to drop the puck for a faceoff
Hayes taking a faceoff against Nicklas Bäckström in December 2017

Before the 2016–17 season, Hayes reunited with a childhood friend, Jimmy Vesey, who had signed with the Rangers as a collegiate free agent.[32] Due to their off-ice chemistry, Vigneault tried using them on a line together to start the season,[33][34] but Hayes was eventually moved to the third line with Michael Grabner and Miller.[35] On October 30, 2016, their line combined for nine points in an eventual 6–1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.[36] Hayes began strong with 13 goals and 22 assists in 47 games before suffering a lower body injury during a game against the Detroit Red Wings in January.[37] At the conclusion of the first year of his new contract, Hayes improved his offensive abilities, scoring 17 goals and 32 assists for 49 points.[38] In 12 appearances at the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs, Hayes recorded 0 goals and 3 assists,[39] and the Rangers were eliminated in game six of the second round against the Ottawa Senators.[40] The following season, Hayes missed six consecutive games due to another lower body injury, in this case leg contusions. Upon his return on January 25, 2018, he recorded an assist in the team's 6–5 win over the San Jose Sharks.[41] On July 31, 2018, as a restricted free agent, Hayes re-signed a one-year contract with the Rangers.[42]

In the 2018–19 season, his fifth with the Rangers, Hayes increased his offensive output, contributing 42 points in 51 games.[43] Despite his strong record, after missing nine games with an upper-body injury, he acknowledged his tenure with the team might be ending.[44] A few days after making this statement, he was traded at the NHL trade deadline to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2019 NHL entry draft, Brendan Lemieux and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.[43] Hayes learned about the trade after Jets winger Blake Wheeler texted him "Welcome to the team."[45]

Winnipeg Jets (2019)

[edit]

Upon being acquired by the Winnipeg Jets, Hayes was placed on a line with Mark Scheifele and Wheeler. On March 1, he scored his first goal with the team, and recorded two assists in a 5–3 win over the visiting Nashville Predators.[46] He was subsequently named the game's third star.[47] Later that month, while playing on a line with Kyle Connor, Hayes helped the Jets qualify for the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs.[48] In the post-season, he played on the fourth line with Mathieu Perreault and Jack Roslovic during their First round matchup against the St. Louis Blues. During game three, he recorded his first goal of the series and included three shots on goal and a hit to beat the Blues 6–3.[49]

Philadelphia Flyers (2019–2023)

[edit]

Hayes' negotiating rights were traded to the Philadelphia Flyers on June 3, 2019, for a fifth-round draft pick in the 2019 Entry Draft.[50] Later, on June 19, the Flyers signed Hayes to a seven-year, $50 million contract with an annual average of $7.14 million.[51] The trade to Philadelphia meant a reunion for Hayes and Vigneault, who was hired as the Flyers head coach after being fired from the Rangers in 2018.[52][53]

Hayes during his tenure with the Flyers

After a strong training camp performance on a line with James van Riemsdyk and Oskar Lindblom, Hayes made his debut in a preseason loss against the New York Islanders.[54] He, Sean Couturier and Jakub Voráček were named alternate captains for the Flyers' 2019–20 season.[55] Hayes scored his first goal with the team on a power play against the New Jersey Devils on October 9, 2019.[56] Hayes played in all 69 regular season games, recording 23 goals and 18 assists by the time the NHL suspended the 2019–20 NHL season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[57] He recorded four short-handed goals and five game-winning goals, his career-best season in both.[57] On July 6, 2020, Hayes was named the winner of the Gene Hart Memorial Award for the 2019–20 season, awarded to the player who displays the most "heart".[58]

When the NHL returned to play, Hayes was one of the 31 players invited to Toronto for the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs,[59] playing on a line with Scott Laughton and Travis Konecny.[60] He recorded six assists in as many games against the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs and scored one goal in game six to advance to the second round.[61] The Flyers fell to the Islanders in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs;[62] Hayes finished the playoffs with four goals and nine assists.[38]

Hayes was again named an alternate captain for the Flyers in the 2020–21 season, rotating the position with Voráček on away games, with Ivan Provorov serving as home alternate, and Couturier returning as permanent alternate.[63] After a strong offensive start to the season, Hayes' performance began to slow, and he was disappointed in his "average year", telling reporters, "I want to help the team every single night and I feel like I haven't done that as much this year."[64] Hayes finished the season with 12 goals and 19 assists in 55 games of the pandemic-shortened season, and was second on the team with 127 shots. Shortly after the conclusion of the season, Hayes underwent surgery for a sports hernia, with an expected five-week recovery period.[65] He admitted, after the surgery, that he had begun feeling abdominal pain partway through the season, and that it was "tough to get going in games" after suffering the injury.[66]

The 2021–22 season proved difficult for Hayes, as he had to deal with a blood infection and the aftermath of multiple surgeries. As well, his brother Jimmy died in August 2021 due to a drug overdose. Despite these tribulations, Hayes was able to play 48 games, recording 10 goals and 21 assists. He was named a finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player who "best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey."[67]

St. Louis Blues (2023–2024)

[edit]

On June 27, 2023, the St. Louis Blues acquired Hayes from the Flyers in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NHL entry draft.[68] He had a slow start to the 2023–24 season, with only two goals in his first 17 games. After moving to a line with Alexey Toropchenko and Jake Neighbours on November 21, however, Hayes added seven goals in his next 13 games.[69] This success was not sustained, as Hayes scored only four goals in the last 47 games of the season and was a healthy scratch for two of the Blues' last three games.[70]

Pittsburgh Penguins (2024–present)

[edit]

On June 29, 2024, Hayes was traded, along with a second-round selection in the 2025 NHL entry draft to the Pittsburgh Penguins for future considerations.[71]

Playing style

[edit]

Hayes is best known for his short-handed abilities, both in managing the penalty kill and in scoring short-handed goals.[57] Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher emphasized Hayes' 200-foot game when signing him to the organization.[72] Hayes is also known for his close relationship with head coach Alain Vigneault, with whom he worked on the Rangers and Flyers. Hayes credits Vigneault with his development as a professional hockey player, saying, "I think I entered the league as an offensive guy and A.V. kind of turned me into a 200-foot player and an NHL guy. At the time, I don't know if I was super excited about it—fast-forward six years and I couldn't be more happy with where my game is at."[73]

International play

[edit]

Hayes and his brother Jimmy were both selected to represent the United States national team at the 2014 IIHF World Championship in Minsk, Belarus.[38] Upon being selected for Team USA with no NHL experience, Kevin said, "I want to prove to everyone that I can play the same way and do what I did all season [with the Eagles]."[74] He skated in eight games in the tournament, where he recorded one goal and one assist.[38]

Hayes was selected to represent the United States again at the 2017 IIHF World Championship where he played on a line with collegiate teammate and friend Johnny Gaudreau.[75] He scored his first two goals of the tournament in a 5–3 win over Germany after trailing three times.[76] The United States team ultimately failed to medal during the tournament after losing in their quarterfinal match against Finland.[77]

Personal life

[edit]

Hayes was born in the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester on May 8, 1992, the youngest of five children.[78] His older brother was former National Hockey League (NHL) player Jimmy Hayes.[79][80] Hayes' cousins include New Jersey Devils general manager and former NHL player Tom Fitzgerald, and former NHL player Keith Tkachuk.[81] Furthermore, Fitzgerald's sons Ryan and Casey were teammates with Hayes at Boston College and are both NHL prospects, and Tkachuk's sons Matthew and Brady are also on NHL rosters. He is a fan of the New England Patriots[82] and the St. Louis Blues where Tkachuk played during Hayes' childhood.[79] His closest friend in the NHL was former Boston College teammate Johnny Gaudreau, who was killed by a drunk driver on August 29, 2024.[81][83] Hayes served as a pallbearer at his funeral.[84]

Hayes is an advocate for Hockey Fights Cancer, as both of his parents are survivors.[78] His mother Shelagh was diagnosed with colorectal cancer when Hayes was in middle school, and his father, Kevin Sr., was diagnosed with throat cancer during Hayes' sophomore year at Boston College.[78][85]

Yards Brewing Company in Philadelphia released the "Big Hayes-y 13" beer in 2020, named after the Flyers' center.[86] The beer is a New England IPA, a reference to Hayes' Boston upbringing.[86]

Kevin was married to Katya Vasilyev on July 16, 2023.[87]

Career statistics

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Regular season and playoffs

[edit]
    Regular season   Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2007–08 Noble and Greenough School HS-Prep 29 8 5 13 2
2008–09 Noble and Greenough School HS-Prep 23 28 27 55 15
2009–10 Noble and Greenough School HS-Prep 29 25 44 69 8
2009–10 Cape Cod Whalers 18U AAA MSHL 25 21 30 51
2009–10 U.S. NTDP U18 USDP 2 2 0 2 0
2010–11 Boston College HE 31 4 10 14 8
2011–12 Boston College HE 44 7 21 28 10
2012–13 Boston College HE 27 6 19 25 14
2013–14 Boston College HE 39 27 38 65 16
2014–15 New York Rangers NHL 79 17 28 45 22 19 2 5 7 2
2015–16 New York Rangers NHL 79 14 22 36 30 3 0 0 0 4
2016–17 New York Rangers NHL 76 17 32 49 18 12 0 3 3 4
2017–18 New York Rangers NHL 76 25 19 44 18
2018–19 New York Rangers NHL 51 14 28 42 10
2018–19 Winnipeg Jets NHL 20 5 7 12 2 6 2 1 3 2
2019–20 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 69 23 18 41 34 16 4 9 13 2
2020–21 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 55 12 19 31 22
2021–22 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 48 10 21 31 26
2022–23 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 81 18 36 54 23
2023–24 St. Louis Blues NHL 79 13 16 29 12
2024–25 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 64 13 10 23 8
NHL totals 777 181 256 437 225 56 8 18 26 14

International

[edit]
Year Team Event Result   GP G A Pts PIM
2009 United States U18 4th 4 2 1 3 0
2014 United States WC 6th 8 1 1 2 0
2017 United States WC 5th 3 2 2 4 4
2024 United States WC 5th 8 1 0 1 4
Senior totals 19 4 3 7 8

Awards and honors

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kevin Hayes is an American professional ice hockey player who currently serves as a right winger for the of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on May 8, 1992, in Dorchester, Massachusetts, Hayes stands at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 217 pounds, shooting left-handed; he was selected 24th overall in the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the , though he did not sign with them and instead pursued college hockey. Hayes grew up in Dorchester alongside his older brother, Jimmy Hayes, who also played professionally in the NHL until his death in 2021. He honed his skills in youth hockey before committing to , where he played for the Eagles from 2010 to 2014. During his college tenure, Hayes contributed to a win in 2012 and had a standout senior season in 2013–14, recording 27 goals and 65 points in 40 games, which earned him finalist honors for the , selection to the NCAA East First Team All-American, and First All-Star Team recognition. Transitioning to the professional ranks, Hayes signed a two-year entry-level contract with the as a on August 20, 2014, making his NHL debut on October 12 of that year and scoring his first goal a week later. Over his NHL career spanning 781 games as of the 2025–26 season, he has amassed 181 goals, 258 assists, and 439 points, with notable seasons including 25 goals in 2017–18 and participation in the 2023 NHL . Hayes has been traded multiple times, playing for the (2014–2019), (2019), (2019–2023), (2023–2024), and traded to on June 29, 2024, along with a 2025 second-round pick, in exchange for future considerations; he enters the final year of his contract in 2025–26 and was activated from injured reserve in November 2025; he finished seventh in Calder Trophy voting as a in 2014–15.

Early career

Early life

Kevin Hayes was born on May 8, 1992, in , a working-class neighborhood in , . He grew up in a tight-knit, sports-focused family led by his parents, Kevin Hayes Sr. and Shelagh Hayes, both of whom battled and survived cancer—his mother with colon cancer diagnosed during his middle school years, and his father with throat cancer while Hayes was attending college. The family resided on Westglow Street in , where Hayes was one of five children, including his older brother Jimmy Hayes, who shared his passion for athletics and later became a professional hockey player. From an early age, Hayes was immersed in Boston's passionate sports culture, developing a strong for local teams such as the , whose games he followed avidly as a child. This environment, combined with his family's emphasis on physical activity, sparked his interest in hockey, which he began playing around age 5 in local youth programs.

Amateur hockey

Hayes began his competitive youth hockey career participating in the , representing the South Shore team during the 2004–2005 season. From 2007 to 2010, Hayes attended and played forward for the in , where he developed into a dominant offensive player. In his freshman season (2007–08), he recorded 13 points (8 goals, 5 assists) in 29 games. His year (2008–09) saw a significant breakout, as he tied for the team lead with 55 points (28 goals, 27 assists) in 23 games. By his junior and final season (2009–10), Hayes led the team with a career-high 69 points (25 goals, 44 assists) in 29 games, earning All-New England East honors and Prep Player of the Year recognition from the New England Prep Hockey Council. During this period, Hayes also gained exposure at elite levels through the National Team Development Program, appearing in two games for the U.S. National U18 Team in 2009–10 and scoring two goals. In the midget ranks, he played for the Cape Cod Whalers 18U AAA in the Metropolitan Shamrock Hockey League during the 2009–10 season, where he tallied 51 points (21 goals, 30 assists) in 25 games, showcasing his scoring prowess and playmaking ability. Hayes' amateur success culminated in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, where he was selected 24th overall in the first round by the . Committed to pursuing collegiate hockey at , he did not sign an entry-level contract with Chicago at the time, allowing him to develop further in the NCAA.

Collegiate career

Kevin Hayes enrolled at in 2010, where he played for the men's team in the Conference from 2010 to 2014, majoring in communications. As a in the 2010–11 season, Hayes appeared in 31 games, recording 4 goals and 10 assists for 14 points, while dealing with a knee injury that caused him to miss eight games. In his sophomore year of 2011–12, he played all 44 games, contributing 7 goals and 21 assists for 28 points, helping the Eagles win the Hockey East regular-season and tournament championships en route to the 2012 NCAA national championship after reaching the Frozen Four. Hayes' junior season in 2012–13 was cut short by a severe injury on February 26, 2013, when he was kneed in the leg during a game against , initially appearing as a but leading to a quadriceps contusion. He underwent emergency surgery that night to release and prevent muscle damage, but a resulting blood clot caused extreme pressure, bursting blood vessels and halting circulation below his kneecap; doctors informed him he was approximately eight hours from needing leg . Despite playing 27 games prior to the injury with 6 goals and 19 assists for 25 points, Hayes spent 18 days in the hospital and underwent three additional surgeries, yet he chose to return for his senior year rather than turn professional immediately. In his senior season of 2013–14, Hayes had a breakout performance, skating in all 40 games and tallying 27 goals and 38 assists for 65 points, tying for second in scoring behind teammate . His contributions helped the Eagles secure another regular-season title and advance to the 2014 Frozen Four, where they fell 5–4 in the semifinals to . For his efforts, Hayes earned All- First Team honors, was named to the AHCA East First-Team All-American, and was a finalist for the Memorial Award. Following the season, Hayes signed a two-year entry-level contract with the as an unrestricted on August 20, 2014, opting to join them over his drafting team, the .

Professional career

New York Rangers (2014–2019)

After forgoing his senior season at , Hayes signed a two-year entry-level contract with the on August 20, 2014, worth $7.5 million with a cap hit of $900,000 per season. The deal included performance bonuses and positioned the 6-foot-5 forward to compete for a spot on the Rangers' roster during the 2014-15 . Hayes made his NHL debut on October 12, 2014, in a 5-2 loss to the , centering a line with and . One week later, on , he scored his first NHL —a power-play tally against —in a 4-2 win over the . In his rookie season, Hayes appeared in 79 games, recording 17 goals and 28 assists for 45 points, finishing seventh in Calder Trophy voting as the Rangers reached the Eastern Conference Final. Despite being a natural winger, he adapted to a bottom-six , contributing physically with 72 hits and 46 blocked shots. Over the following seasons, Hayes evolved into a reliable middle-six forward, signing a two-year bridge contract worth $5.2 million in July 2016. In 2015-16, he posted 14 goals and 22 assists in 79 games; the next year, 2016-17, he reached a career-high 49 points (17 goals, 32 assists) in 76 games while logging significant penalty-kill time. His production peaked in 2017-18 with 25 goals and 19 assists in 76 games, showcasing improved faceoff winning (51.2%) and defensive reliability. In the 2018-19 season, Hayes tallied 14 goals and 28 assists in 51 games with New York before the trade deadline. He re-signed on a one-year, $5.175 million deal in July 2018 to avoid arbitration. Hayes contributed notably in the playoffs during his Rangers tenure. In , he recorded 2 goals and 5 assists in 17 games, including an overtime winner in Game 4 of the first round against that helped secure a 3-1 series lead. The Rangers advanced to the conference final but fell to . In 2017, Hayes added 3 assists in 12 games as New York reached the second round before elimination by . On February 25, 2019, ahead of the NHL trade deadline, the Rangers traded Hayes to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for forward Brendan Lemieux, a 2019 first-round draft pick, and a conditional 2021 fourth-round pick. The move marked the end of his five-season stint with New York, where he established himself as a versatile, two-way contributor.

Winnipeg Jets (2019)

On February 25, 2019, Kevin Hayes was acquired by the Winnipeg Jets from the New York Rangers in a trade that sent forward Brendan Lemieux, the Jets' first-round pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft to New York. The move addressed Winnipeg's need for center depth amid a competitive Central Division race, positioning Hayes as a key addition for their playoff aspirations. Hayes made his Jets debut the next day, February 26, 2019, against the , where he logged 15:54 of ice time but recorded no points in a 4-3 loss. He quickly integrated into the lineup, often centering the second line alongside wingers and , providing size, faceoff reliability, and offensive support. Over his 20 regular-season games with Winnipeg, Hayes contributed 5 goals and 8 assists for 13 points, helping the Jets go 12-6-2 in that span as they clinched the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference with 99 points. His production included a multi-point effort in a 5-3 comeback win over the on March 1, where he scored his first goal as a Jet and added two assists. In the , the Jets matched up against the surging in the first round, a series that highlighted Hayes' physical presence and penalty-killing ability. Appearing in all six games, he posted 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points, including a goal in Game 4 and another in Game 6, while averaging 11:59 of ice time per game. Despite the contributions from Hayes and the team's late-season momentum under coach , Winnipeg fell to in six games, 4-2, as the Blues advanced en route to their first . As an unrestricted following the playoffs, Hayes' negotiating rights were traded to the on June 3, 2019, in exchange for a fifth-round pick in that year's draft (used to select ), facilitating his departure from Winnipeg after the brief but impactful stint.

Philadelphia Flyers (2019–2023)

On June 19, 2019, Hayes signed a seven-year, $50 million contract with the , carrying an average annual value of $7.14 million. This deal came shortly after the Flyers acquired his negotiating rights from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. As a top-line , Hayes was expected to provide size, faceoff prowess, and two-way play, while also bolstering the team's penalty kill, where he logged significant minutes early in his tenure. In the 2019–20 season, Hayes recorded 23 goals and 18 assists for 41 points in 69 games, contributing to the Flyers' drive to the second round of the . His performance earned him the Memorial Award, presented annually to the Flyer who demonstrates the most "heart." In the bubble , Hayes excelled with 4 goals and 9 assists in 16 games, helping the team advance past the before falling to the . The 2020–21 season, shortened and impacted by protocols, saw Hayes tally 12 goals and 19 assists in 55 games amid the Flyers' divisional schedule. He continued as a key penalty-kill contributor, averaging over 1:20 per game on the unit. During the 2021–22 season, Hayes posted 10 goals and 21 assists in 48 games, limited by injuries, as the Flyers missed the for the first time in three years. In 2022–23, Hayes rebounded with 18 goals and 36 assists for 54 points in 81 games, earning selection to the NHL as the Flyers' representative. Despite his production, the team struggled overall, finishing last in the . On June 27, 2023, the Flyers traded Hayes and a seventh-round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft to the in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the same draft.

St. Louis Blues (2023–2024)

On June 27, 2023, the acquired center Kevin Hayes from the in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, with the Flyers retaining 50 percent of his hit. This move brought the 31-year-old forward to on a rebuilding roster seeking veteran presence in the middle six. During the 2023–24 season, Hayes appeared in 79 games for the , recording 13 goals and 16 assists for 29 points, a career-low output that reflected his struggles to establish a consistent role on the team. One highlight came on November 3, 2023, when he scored his first goal as a against the , tapping in a rebound to help secure a 4-1 victory; Hayes pointed to the sky in tribute to his late brother, Jimmy. Despite such moments, his limited production contributed to minimal impact amid the ' challenges, as the team finished 9th in the Western Conference and missed the playoffs for the second straight year. On June 29, 2024, the traded Hayes, along with their 2025 second-round draft pick, to the in exchange for future considerations, marking of his lone season in . Hayes later reflected that he lacked a defined with the Blues, contributing to his underwhelming performance.

Pittsburgh Penguins (2024–present)

On June 29, 2024, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired forward Kevin Hayes and a 2025 second-round draft pick from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for future considerations. This trade marked Hayes' fifth NHL team, positioning him as a depth center in a lineup anchored by veterans Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Hayes entered Pittsburgh on the remaining two years of his seven-year, $50 million contract originally signed with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2019, with the Flyers retaining 50% of his salary for a Penguins cap hit of $3.571 million through the 2025–26 season. In the 2024–25 season, Hayes adapted quickly to his role as a middle-six forward, emphasizing reliability and penalty-kill duties to support Pittsburgh's playoff aspirations in the . He notched his first goal with on October 11, 2024, against the , contributing to an early offensive spark. Over 64 games, Hayes tallied 13 goals and 10 assists for 23 points, alongside a 52.1% win percentage and steady minutes on the third line and special teams. His physical play and defensive contributions helped stabilize the bottom-six forward group amid the team's push for a postseason berth. Heading into the 2025–26 season, Hayes encountered a setback with an sustained in , sidelining him for the opening stretch. He returned to action on November 8, 2025, making his season debut against the , where he logged 11:10 of ice time in a checking-line role. As of November 20, 2025, Hayes has appeared in 4 games, recording 0 goals and 1 assist with a plus-1 rating, while contributing on the penalty kill and faceoffs (52.1% win rate) as the Penguins hold a 10–5–4 record, placing third in the .

International career

2014 IIHF World Championship

Shortly after concluding his collegiate career at Boston College, where he had been a standout forward and Hobey Baker Award finalist, Kevin Hayes was selected to represent the United States at the 2014 IIHF Men's World Championship in Minsk, Belarus. This marked Hayes' debut at the senior international level, joining his older brother Jimmy on the roster as one of four recent college players on the team. Hayes appeared in all eight games for Team USA, primarily contributing on the bottom-six forward lines, including occasional shifts alongside his former Boston College linemate Johnny Gaudreau and established NHL forward Justin Abdelkader. He recorded one goal and one assist for two points, along with 10 shots on goal, while averaging 10:26 of ice time per game across 106 shifts. Team USA compiled a 4-1-0-3 record (wins-overtime wins-overtime losses-losses), finishing second in Group B behind after a mix of victories and upsets, including a 6-1 opening win over host and a 3-1 triumph over . The Americans advanced to the quarterfinals but fell 3-0 to the , ending their medal hopes. In the consolation round, they lost 5-2 to before defeating 3-1 to secure sixth place overall among the 16 competing nations.

2017 IIHF World Championship

Kevin Hayes was selected to represent the at the while playing for the . This marked his second appearance at the tournament, following his debut in 2014. He joined the team late in , , after the Rangers' first-round playoff exit against the . Hayes quickly integrated into the lineup, centering the top forward line alongside winger , his former teammate. In his debut on May 14 against , he recorded two assists, both on Gaudreau's goals, helping secure a 6-1 victory. Two days later, against on May 16, Hayes scored twice in the second period—his first at even strength to tie the game and the second on the power play to give the U.S. a 3-2 lead in a come-from-behind 5-3 win that clinched first place in Group A. Over these three games, Hayes tallied 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points, with a +4 plus-minus rating and 4 penalty minutes. In the quarterfinals on May 18 against , Hayes logged 17:08 of ice time but was held without a point as the U.S. managed only 21 shots in a 0-2 loss. The defeat eliminated Team USA from contention, resulting in a fifth-place finish overall.

2024 IIHF World Championship

Kevin Hayes was selected to represent the at the , held in and , Czechia, from May 10 to 26. He joined the roster as a late addition on , alongside defenseman Matthew Kessel, marking Hayes' third appearance in the tournament after participating in and 2017. Playing primarily in a bottom-six forward role, Hayes contributed offensively in limited fashion during the ' eight games. He recorded one goal and zero assists for a total of one point, along with four penalty minutes and a minus-one rating. His lone goal came on May 19 against , redirecting a shot from during a 10-1 in the preliminary round. Hayes appeared in all eight contests, including the preliminary round and the quarterfinal matchup. The finished fifth overall after advancing to the quarterfinals, where they suffered a 1-0 loss to Czechia on May 23. The team had posted a 5–0–1–1 record (W–OTW–OTL–L) in the preliminary round, securing a top-four placement in Group B. Hayes' participation occurred during the NHL off-season following his 2023-24 campaign with the , prior to his subsequent trade to the .

Player profile

Playing style

Kevin Hayes is recognized as a who excels in physical play along the boards and maintains a strong net-front presence, leveraging his size to win puck battles and create scoring opportunities for teammates. His style emphasizes tenacity in contested areas, making him difficult for opponents to separate from the puck, which has been a consistent element of his game across multiple teams. This approach allows him to contribute effectively in high-traffic situations, often drawing defenders and opening space for linemates. Hayes demonstrates notable strengths in key areas, including faceoffs where he has maintained a career win percentage of 53.3% over 4,838 draws (as of 2025), providing reliability in puck possession starts. On the penalty kill, he has been a standout contributor, particularly during his tenure with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he scored four shorthanded goals in the 2019-20 season—matching the team's total output from the previous year—and helped transform their unit into one of the league's most effective. His 200-foot game underscores defensive reliability, as he balances offensive contributions with responsible play in his own end, often stabilizing middle-six lines. Offensively, Hayes possesses a quick release on his wrist shot and excels in playmaking during transitions, using creative passing to set up scoring chances, as evidenced by his 38 assists in 40 college games and consistent assist totals in the NHL. Over his career, this has translated to steady production, with 10 shorthanded goals highlighting his threat in all situations. Hayes' evolution has seen him transition from a scorer, tallying 45 points in 79 games during his 2014-15 debut, to a seasoned two-way adept at middle-six roles on contending teams. This growth reflects his adaptability, shifting from offensive-focused contributions early on to a more complete game that includes penalty killing and duties. His short-handed prowess draws comparisons to players like , known for similar impact on special teams.

Physical attributes and role

Kevin Hayes measures 6 ft 5 in (196 cm) in height and weighs 217 lb (98 kg). He is a left-handed shot. Hayes primarily plays as a in the National Hockey League (NHL), though he possesses positional flexibility to contribute on the right wing and, to a lesser extent, the left wing. Throughout his career, Hayes has encountered durability concerns stemming from significant injuries, including a 2012–13 blood clot complication arising from compartment syndrome after a quadriceps contusion sustained during his time at Boston College, which sidelined him for the remainder of that season and required weeks of hospitalization. In the 2021–22 season with the Philadelphia Flyers, an abdominal issue affected his stamina, contributing to ongoing challenges in maintaining consistent performance levels. In the 2025–26 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hayes suffered an upper-body injury that sidelined him from the start of the year until his activation on November 8, 2025. In his early NHL tenure with the and , Hayes typically filled a top-six forward role as a scorer and playmaker. Later, particularly during his stint with the , he transitioned to a checking-line position, emphasizing physical play and defensive responsibilities, while also contributing on special teams such as the penalty kill and . During the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, where he was selected 24th overall by the , scouts highlighted Hayes' imposing size and strong skating stride as key attributes, noting his ability to leverage his frame effectively on the despite being only 18 years old at the time.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Kevin Hayes was born to parents Kevin Hayes Sr. and Shelagh Hayes, both of whom are cancer survivors; his mother was diagnosed with colon cancer during his years, while his father battled throat cancer during Hayes' time as a at . He grew up with an older brother, Jimmy Hayes, a former NHL player who died on August 23, 2021, at age 31 from an accidental overdose of and , as confirmed by his family and the . Hayes has three sisters who supported his and Jimmy's hockey careers, often attending games and tournaments. In the wake of his brother's death, Hayes has honored Jimmy publicly by pointing to the sky after every goal he scores, a gesture he began immediately following the tragedy. He also penned a heartfelt tribute to Jimmy in The Players' Tribune on the second anniversary of his passing, reflecting on their close bond and Jimmy's impact as a local hero in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Hayes is related to several prominent figures in hockey through extended family; he and Jimmy were cousins to former NHL executive Tom Fitzgerald, , and Keith's sons, current NHL players Matthew and . On the personal front, Hayes married longtime girlfriend Katya Vasilyev, whom he met while attending , on July 16, 2023, at the Wychmere Beach Club in Harwich Port, . The couple, who got engaged in September 2022, described the beachside ceremony as their "perfect" wedding, attended by family, friends, and several former teammates.

Philanthropy and interests

Kevin Hayes is a prominent advocate for Hockey Fights Cancer, an initiative jointly supported by the NHL and the NHL Players' Association to raise awareness and funds for and patient care. His involvement stems from his parents' successful battles with the disease—his , Shelagh, overcame colon cancer during Hayes' middle school years, and his father, Kevin Sr., survived throat cancer during his sophomore year at . Hayes has participated in Hockey Fights Cancer events across multiple teams, including wearing lavender-accented gear during warmups with the and contributing signed memorabilia for online auctions to support the cause. He frequently shares his family's experiences to inspire children and others facing cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection during the program's November awareness month. Beyond cancer advocacy, Hayes engages in NHL player-led efforts, such as hospital visits to support pediatric patients. In December 2023, while with the , he joined teammates to interact with children at local children's hospitals during the holiday season. Similarly, in 2024 with the , Hayes visited UPMC Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, offering encouragement to young fans alongside and . He has also contributed to youth hockey development through charity events, including the Commonwealth Avenue Classic, an annual alumni game featuring and players that raises funds for local causes; Hayes participated in the edition, which collected a record $64,481 for programs. Following the tragic death of his brother Jimmy Hayes in August 2021 from an accidental overdose, Kevin Hayes has spoken publicly about the opioid crisis to promote awareness of addiction's impact on families. In a 2023 Players' Tribune essay, he reflected on Jimmy's life and warned that "if pills can take my brother, they can take anyone," aiming to destigmatize the issue and encourage open conversations within the hockey community. Hayes, a lifelong fan, maintains strong ties to his roots through such involvement, often expressing gratitude for the local support network that has sustained his family.

Career statistics and awards

Regular season

SeasonTeamGPGAPtsPIM+/-PPGSHGGWGOTG
2014–15NYR7917284522+151110
2015–16NYR7914223630+43030
2016–17NYR7617324918+101140
2017–18NYR7625194418+16241
2018–19NYR5114284210+13121
2018–19WPG2058132–30100
2019–20PHI6923184134–64452
2020–21PHI5512193122–23020
2021–22PHI4810213126–202010
2022–23PHI8118365423–226010
2023–24STL791316291200020
2024–25PIT641310238–154010
2025–26PIT40110+10000
NHL total781181258439225–363310266
Note: Hayes missed 34 games in the 2021–22 season due to an abdominal injury.

Playoffs

SeasonTeamGPGAPtsPIM+/-PPGSHGGWGOTG
2015NYR192572–31010
2016NYR30004–10000
2017NYR12033400000
2019WPG62132+20000
2020PHI1649132+70000
Total568182614+51010
Note: No playoff appearances after 2020 as of the latest data.

International

Kevin Hayes has represented the at three IIHF World Championships, accumulating statistics as detailed in the following table. These appearances mark his only senior international competitions, with no participation in the or other IIHF events.
YearGPGAPtsTeam Placement
201481124th
20173224
202481015th
Total19437
In the 2014 tournament held in , , Hayes recorded his lone goal and assist during the preliminary round and playoffs. He joined the 2017 team in , , and , , late in the event after his NHL playoff obligations, contributing two goals—including his first of the tournament against —in the medal round games. At the 2024 championship in and , Czechia, Hayes scored once in a 9–0 preliminary-round win over .

Awards and honors

Kevin Hayes was selected by the in the first round, 24th overall, of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. 2014–15: Finished seventh in voting for the . During his senior season at in 2013–14, Hayes earned All-Hockey East First Team honors for leading the conference with 65 points (27 goals and 38 assists) in 40 games. That same year, he was named to the AHCA East First-Team All-American, recognizing his outstanding performance as one of the top players in men's hockey. In 2020, while with the , Hayes received the team's Memorial Award, given annually to the player who best exemplifies "heart" through perseverance and dedication, as voted by his teammates. Hayes was selected to represent the at the 2023 NHL All-Star Game, where he participated in the skills competition and 3-on-3 tournament in . Internationally, Hayes has no individual awards but represented the at the , contributing two goals and two assists in three games.

References

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