Kevin Hayes retires after 12 NHL seasons and 805 games
The 34-year-old center walked away after five KHL games, saying his body no longer lets him play at his level.
Kevin Hayes retired Monday after 12 NHL seasons, per NHL.com. The 34-year-old center played 805 regular-season games for the Rangers, Jets, Flyers, Blues and Penguins. He finished with 185 goals and 261 assists, plus 26 points in 56 playoff games.
He'd played five KHL games with Ak Bars Kazan this fall, per Daily Faceoff. Then he made the decision. His statement was blunt: "I can no longer play at the level I am capable of because my body does not allow me to perform at my best."
Hayes was a Chicago first-round pick in 2010. He won an NCAA title at Boston College in 2012, per Daily Faceoff. He was a Masterton finalist in 2021-22 after coming back from his brother Jimmy's death. Kris Letang called him "an amazing person" and "amazing teammate," per NHL.com.
Ferda read: Hayes was never the best player on his team, but he was the teammate every dressing room wanted. Six 40-point seasons from a big center who could play the wall and the bumper is a real career. Tip the cap.
Walking away because your body says so, instead of hanging on for one more deal, is its own kind of honest.