Hayes admits time is up.
On Monday, ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers' first preseason game of 2026, we got some news unrelated to training camp, with ex-Flyers forward Kevin Hayes suddenly calling it a career.
Hayes, 34, abruptly announced his retirement from professional hockey on Monday, less than one month after signing a one-year contract with KHL outfit Ak Bars Kazan on Aug. 25.
In a statement posted by the KHL's official English language X account, Hayes announced, "I have decided to end my hockey career. 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 played in five games for Ak Bars, including as recently as Friday, but failed to record a point. In Friday's 3-2 loss to HK Sochi, Hayes played a season-low 13:10 and failed to record a shot on goal.
Given the statement above, Hayes quickly recognized that his best days are well behind him, and that it just isn't possible to play at the level he was accustomed to playing at any longer.
It should be noted, too, that the 6-foot-5 forward dealt with a considerable number of injuries over the years, including a hernia during his time with the Flyers, a shoulder injury at the start of last season with Pittsburgh, and compartment syndrome in 2013 during his time in college.
It's understandable that Hayes feels that he is out of gas, and it's a credit to him for acknowledging that and opting to pull the plug, rather than let his team and teammates down with uncharacteristic performances.
Hayes finishes his NHL career with 185 goals, 261 assists, and 446 points in 805 regular season games, in addition to eight goals, 18 assists, and 26 points in 56 playoff games.
