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The Flyers, and in particular Flyers Head Coach Alain Vigneault gave an update on Kevin Hayes today, and of course it was not good news. Apparently Hayes suffered a re-injury to his previous abdominal surgery against the Calgary Flames on November 16th. Fortunately, Hayes is now listed as week-to-week, per the Flyers.
In actuality the Flyers should be very concerned about this situation with Hayes. Did he rush back from injury? What is going on with the training staff due to multiple injuries to most notably Ryan Ellis? These thoughts are going through every Flyers fans mind right now, and it’s very understandable. I wrote previous articles on not expecting much production for Hayes this season do to the Flyers having experience with abdominal surgeries in the past.
Unfortunately, the Flyers have a rich history with sports hernia surgeries, Claude Giroux and Shayne Gostisbehere (Ghost) both had the same procedure done before the start of the 2016-17 season. Giroux posted 58 points (14 goals, 44 assists), and Ghost posted 39 points (7 goals, 32 assists). In addition, Brian Elliott also had the same procedure done a few years ago, and the Flyers wound up using eight different netminders in 2018-19, not to mention Nolan Patrick also had two sports hernia procedures completed, as well.
What did all players mentioned have in common after having this sports hernia surgery? Well, each player started off slow, some did not play particularly well the following season, in some required multiple surgeries to fully heal. Hayes said it was a “Minor surgery” at exit interviews, to which it may have been. However, he had another abdominal procedure during Flyers Training Camp.
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The Flyers should be worried about production for the upcoming 2021-22 season, thus obtaining Derick Brassard sort of became a saving grace.
Hayes just didn’t have that powerful stride like he did in 2019-20 last season. Hopefully, sooner rather than later Kevin Hayes fully heals and comes back 100%.
The only thing worse than not having Hayes in the line up for a bit would be bringing him back too soon. Frustrating to everyone? Yep and probably for him more than anyone. Get well be well stay well all in good time.