PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 11: Kevin Hayes #13 of the Philadelphia Flyers looks on against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Wells Fargo Center on January 11, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Lightning defeated the Flyers 1-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Kevin Hayes, a 34-year-old forward, announced his retirement on September 21, 2026, after appearing in just five games for AK Bars Kazan in the KHL (the 2026-27 season). He had signed a one-year deal with the club in late August following 12 NHL seasons.
In his statement (shared via the KHL): “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.”
Career Highlights
NHL totals: 805 regular-season games, 185 goals, 261 assists (446 points) with the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Drafted 24th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010; never played for them. Made his NHL debut with the Rangers in 2014-15 after Boston College.
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Notable stops included a big seven-year, $50 million contract with the Flyers (signed in 2019) and two seasons in Pittsburgh (where limited ice time and injuries marked his final NHL year in 2025-26: 4 goals and 8 points in 28 games).
It was a short and abrupt end to what was expected to be a final chapter in Russia. Condolences and well wishes have been circulating from former teammates, media, and fans, noting the personal challenges he faced over the years (including the loss of his brother and close friend Johnny Gaudreau).
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