Hayes returned for just two games but re-injured himself vs. the Flames and is expected to miss at least a couple more weeks.
Kevin Hayes News
The Flyers are not providing information on Hayes' absence but the fact that he is travelling with the team suggests that he will not be out for an extended period of time.
Hayes missed the first 12 games of the season but is expected to play Saturday in Dallas. Hayes will provide a huge boost to the Flyers' middle-6 as well as their PK. Hayes had 12 goals and 19 assists (31 points) in 55 games a season ago.
We are three weeks away from the start of the 2021-22 season, so Hayes will miss at least the first three weeks of the new season. With Hayes out, Claude Giroux may have to shift back to the middle of the ice for a few weeks or Scott Laughton/Derick Brassard will play larger roles than originally expected.
Hayes has not scored in his last 15 games, posting just three assists over that span. Carsen Twarysnki will draw in to replace the centre.
Hayes was acquired from the Jets for a 2019 fifth-round pick in early-June and was set to become a free agent on July 1st. Hayes is coming off of a career-year, scoring 19 goals with 36 assists (55 points) in 71 games with the Rangers and Jets. The 27-year-old is now signed through the 2025-26 season and is the third highest paid player on the Flyers.
Hayes, 27, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, so the Flyers will need to sign him before July 1st. Hayes spent the first four and a half seasons of his career with the Rangers before being dealt to the Jets at least year’s trade deadline. Hayes finished the 2018-19 campaign with a career-high 55 points (19G / 36A) in 71 games. Hayes helps bolster the Flyers’ centre depth, which has taken a hit since Claude Giroux moved to the wing.
Hayes is a former first-round pick (No.24 overall) back in 2010 and has enjoyed a breakout season in 2019. Hayes is on-pace for a career-best 39 assists and 58 points through 51 games. Hayes will likely replace Bryan Little as the Jets No.2 centre, where he could play with the likes of Patrik Laine, Nikolaj Ehlers or Kyle Connor.
Hayes has missed the last nine games with an upper-body injury but will replace Mats Zuccarello, who is sidelined with a foot infection. Hayes has had a solid campaign, scoring 10 goals with 23 assists (33 points) in 39 games and will skate on the second-line with Jimmy Vesey and Vladislav Namestnikov.
Hayes continues to be sidelined with an upper-body injury and will miss his fourth consecutive game on Thursday. Ryan Strome will continue to skate in the Rangers top-6 while Hayes is out.