Kevin Hayes is calling it a career.
Just one month after signing with Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL, longtime NHL forward Kevin Hayes is calling it a career.
"I have decided to end my hockey career," Hayes said through the KHL's official X account. "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."
Hayes appeared in just five games with Ak Bars Kazan before announcing his retirement, where he had zero points and a minus-1 rating. Now, after a short KHL stint, the 34-year-old is hanging up the skates.
Hayes' final season in the NHL was in 2025-26 with the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 28 games with Pittsburgh during this past season, he posted four goals, eight points, and a minus-1 rating.
While Hayes had a tough finish to his career, he still had himself a strong career overall. In 805 career NHL games over 12 seasons split between the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, and Penguins, he posted 185 goals, 261 assists, and 446 points. He was also an All-Star while with the Flyers in 2022-23.
