Former first-round pick and NHL veteran retires after a long run in the league
Photo credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Kevin Hayes has announced his retirement from professional hockey after 861 NHL games and a brief run in the KHL with Ak Bars Kazan.
Hayes is walking away on his own terms after a career that carried him through five NHL organizations.
The 34 year old center made the announcement himself, saying his body could no longer keep up with the standard he set for his own game.
"I have decided to end my hockey career. I can no longer play at the level I am capable of because my body does not allow me to perform at my best. And I cannot accept not being in top form."
- Kevin Hayes
- Kevin Hayes
Hayes spent twelve seasons in the NHL, suiting up for the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues and Pittsburgh Penguins.
He was drafted 24th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010 but never played a game for the club that took a chance on him out of Boston College.
A career built on staying power
Across 861 career NHL games, Hayes built a reputation as a dependable middle six center who could chip in offense and win faceoffs in big moments.
His best offensive season came with Philadelphia in 2022-23, when he posted a career high point total, and he closed out his North American run with two seasons in Pittsburgh.
This past offseason, Hayes chose to keep playing, signing a one year deal with Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL.
That chapter turned out to be short lived, lasting just five games before he made the call that his career had reached its natural end.
Moving on with no regrets
Hayes made clear this was not a decision he took lightly.
Once he could no longer perform at the level he expects of himself, continuing simply was not something he was willing to accept.
It is a rare kind of honesty from a player closing out a long career, and it speaks to how much pride he always took in his game.
Fans across the hockey world are already reflecting on his path from Boston College standout to twelve year NHL veteran.
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