Shortly after ending his stint with the Pittsburgh Penguins, former NHL forward Kevin Hayes has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey. Having played only five games in the KHL at the start of the 2026-27 season without recording any points, Hayes, 34, concluded his professional career. The center, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 217 pounds, signed a free-agent contract with the KHL team Ak Bars Kazan this offseason after failing to secure an NHL deal following the expiration of his seven-year contract last season. Over his NHL career, Hayes scored 185 goals and accumulated 446 points across 805 games, including 17 goals and 31 points in 92 games with the Penguins from 2024 to 2026.
In a statement, Hayes expressed his decision to retire, citing his body’s declining ability to perform at his best and his unwillingness to accept being out of top physical condition. During his time with the Penguins, especially during their 2025-26 playoff run, Hayes often found himself as a healthy scratch, participating in only 28 games last season. He was acquired on June 29, 2024, along with a second-round draft pick and 50% of his contract retained by the Flyers, from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for future considerations.
Although Hayes couldn’t deliver the on-ice results he desired in Pittsburgh, he was highly respected and appreciated within the locker room. Defenseman Kris Letang praised him, calling Hayes a fantastic teammate and a joy to be around, highlighting his love for talking and storytelling.
Hayes’s NHL journey began with the New York Rangers during the 2014-15 season, where he spent parts of five seasons before being traded to the Winnipeg Jets in 2018-19. He was later traded to the Flyers, where he signed a seven-year deal worth approximately $7.14 million annually, and turned in a career-best season in 2022-23 that earned him an All-Star nod. After a brief stint with the St. Louis Blues, he eventually made his way to Pittsburgh.
Hayes left a lasting impression not just on teammates but also on coaching staff, who appreciated his professionalism and character. Head coach Dan Muse reflected on Hayes’s career and personal qualities, noting that he would remember Hayes fondly for his handling of adversity and his role as a teammate over the years.
The Penguins are set to begin their preseason schedule, with four games lined up this week, marking a new chapter for the team and its roster.
Fan Take: Hayes’s retirement signifies the end of a resilient and respected NHL career, reminding fans of the importance of character and perseverance in the sport. His journey showcases how—even beyond statistics—leadership and personality leave a significant mark, inspiring the hockey community to value camaraderie and dedication.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
