Centerman signs new contract overseas after going unsigned in NHL free agency

Kevin Hayes is heading overseas.

The 34 year old center has agreed to a one year contract with Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL, closing the book on his run in the NHL for now and opening a new chapter in Russia.

Hayes spent this summer as one of the more notable names still unsigned once free agency opened.

After finishing last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, he hit the open market without finding a new NHL home, and as the weeks dragged on it became clear teams were not lining up for the veteran forward the way they once did.

Hayes broke into the league with the New York Rangers back in 2014 after a standout career at Boston College, and from there his path took him through Winnipeg, Philadelphia, St Louis and eventually Pittsburgh.

He signed a seven year, $50 million deal with the Flyers in 2019 that made him one of the more well compensated middle six centers of his era, though injuries and inconsistent scoring chipped away at his role in recent seasons.

Now, instead of hanging around hoping for a professional tryout or a depth deal at league minimum, Hayes is choosing a fresh challenge in the KHL.

Ak Bars Kazan is one of the more storied and well funded organizations in the league, and it would not be a surprise if the move ends up being lucrative for him even outside of the NHL structure.

Whether this becomes a one and done stint or the start of a longer run overseas remains to be seen.

Plenty of former NHL players have found new life in the KHL, and Hayes still has size, experience and a track record of being a useful two way center when healthy.

For now, Penguins fans and the rest of the hockey world will be watching to see how the big center fares in his new home in Kazan.

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