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- Why Pittsburgh is likely to let Hayes reach free agency
- Contract background and cap implications
- On-ice production: a clear downturn
- Faceoffs, role reduction, and lineup scratches
- Injury interruptions and missed opportunities
- Roster depth that makes bringing him back unlikely
- What Hayes brings to potential suitors
- Career snapshot and legacy numbers
The Pittsburgh Penguins appear ready to let veteran center Kevin Hayes test the open market this summer, a decision shaped by performance dips, injuries and a crowded forward roster. Here’s a closer look at how Hayes’ season unfolded, why the team is moving on, and what his future might hold in the NHL.
Why Pittsburgh is likely to let Hayes reach free agency
The club’s front office has signaled it will not offer Hayes a new contract before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. This move reflects both on-ice decline and organizational depth, leaving little incentive to commit cap space to a veteran who failed to regain past form.
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Contract background and cap implications
Hayes is 34 and finished the final year of a seven-year, $50 million deal originally signed in 2019 while with Philadelphia. Salary retention and trades altered his cap hit over successive moves.
- Philadelphia retained half of his salary when moving him in 2023.
- St. Louis then sent Hayes to Pittsburgh in June 2024 for future considerations.
- As a result, the Penguins carried a reduced cap charge of about $3.57 million.
On-ice production: a clear downturn
Hayes showed glimpses of value in 2024-25, but numbers slipped dramatically in the latest campaign. His time in Pittsburgh began with reasonable scoring and hope for middle-six contributions.
- 2024-25: Played with Philip Tomasino and Drew O’Connor, finished with 13 goals and 22 assists.
- 2025-26: Limited to 28 games, Hayes posted just 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points.
- His points-per-game dropped to roughly 0.29, the lowest mark of his 12-year NHL career.
Faceoffs, role reduction, and lineup scratches
Beyond scoring, Hayes lost traction in other key areas. His faceoff numbers, once a reliable piece of his game, tumbled.
- Faceoff percentage fell from 52.2% the prior season to 40.3%.
- He was scratched multiple times and played sparingly after the holiday break.
- Post-Christmas he appeared in just seven games.
Injury interruptions and missed opportunities
Health problems further limited his value. Hayes missed significant stretches this year, curtailing any chance to reestablish consistency.
- Missed the season’s opening month with an upper-body injury.
- Missed additional time in March with a separate lower-body issue.
- Those absences coincided with dips in minutes and lineup trust.
Roster depth that makes bringing him back unlikely
Penguins management has options that reduce the appeal of re-signing Hayes. The club has already moved to lock in younger, cheaper pieces.
- Connor Dewar was re-signed to remain in the forward mix.
- Restricted free agent Egor Chinakhov is expected to return.
- Top prospects and depth forwards are pushing for NHL roles.
Prospects and depth challengers include:
- Benjamin Kindel
- Rutger McGroarty
- Tristan Broz
- Ville Koivunen
- Bill Zonnon
- Avery Hayes
What Hayes brings to potential suitors
Even with recent struggles, Hayes still offers valuable experience and a track record that could interest a contender or a team seeking veteran depth.
- More than 800 NHL games played.
- Versatile center capable of taking middle-six minutes in the right role.
- Leadership and familiarity with multiple locker rooms.
Career snapshot and legacy numbers
Hayes was a first-round pick and has accumulated a substantial NHL ledger. Those totals create a resume that teams will examine this summer.
- Drafted 24th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.
- Has played for the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues and Pittsburgh Penguins.
- Career totals include 185 goals, 261 assists and 446 points.
