Former NHLer Kevin Hayes announces retirement

In a statement, Hayes noted that his physical health isn’t where he wants it to be in order to continue playing.

“I have decided to end my hockey career,” Hayes said. “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.”

After 12 seasons in the NHL and with no contract signed, the 34-year-old elected to sign a one-year contract with Ak Bars Kazan. However, he decided to hang up his skates after appearing in just five games, failing to register a point.

At one point, Hayes was considered one of the better playmakers in the game. He reached the 40-point mark six times, including a career-best 54 points while a member of the Philadelphia Flyers during the 2022-23 season. However, injuries started to pile up, leading to the veteran appearing in just 28 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins last year, totaling a measly eight points, the lowest production of his NHL tenure.

In 805 regular-season games, making stops with the New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets, Hayes notched 185 goals and 261 assists for 446 points, with another 26 points in 56 Stanley Cup Playoff games. He was a finalist for the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2021-22 after returning to the game following the death of his brother, Jimmy, in August 2021.

Before his NHL career, Hayes succeeded at Boston College, helping the Eagles win two Hockey East championships and an NCAA championship in 2012. He represented the United States at the IIHF Men’s World Championship three times.