Kevin Hayes Could Be the Flyers' Most Likely Summer Trade Candidate

The Philadelphia Flyers could be in for a busy off-season if they pursue a rebuild. Forward Kevin Hayes is one of the Flyers drawing trade speculation.

The Philadelphia Flyers have been the subject of frequent speculation since replacing Chuck Fletcher as GM last month with Daniel Briere. With Dave Scott also stepping down as the club's governor, more changes could be in store for the franchise in the coming off-season.

Kevin Hayes could become the Flyers' most likely trade candidate. The 30-year-old center popped up in the rumor mill earlier this season amid talk of friction with coach John Tortorella, though both men denied those reports.

Giana Han and Olivia Reiner of The Philadelphia Inquirer agreed that Hayes seemed the most likely to move this summer. Reiner noted Tortorella's comments about the club's need for “addition by subtraction” as well as Hayes being moved from first-line center to a bottom-six forward this season.

Reports emerged following the March 3 trade deadline indicating the Flyers had had some conversations about Hayes with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Perhaps those discussions will be revisited during the off-season.

Hayes isn't the only Flyer to surface in the rumor mill following the trade deadline. Han believes Travis Sanheim could also become a trade candidate. Goaltender Carter Hart has also been mentioned in part due to the emergence of promising Samuel Ersson. The 23-year-old Hart becomes an RFA next summer with arbitration rights.

Hart would draw the most interest and perhaps fetch the best return if the Flyers are willing to entertain offers. Hayes, meanwhile, has three years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $7.1 million and a 12-team no-trade list. The 27-year-old Sanheim's eight-year, $50-million deal (with a full no-trade clause) kicks in on July 1.