The addition of Hayes was a missing glue piece that the Flyers lacked until 2019-20. For his efforts, the team is now a legit threat in the East Division, and contenders for once. However, Hayes has been remarkable with Nolan Patrick, “Haysey was a guy who helped me out a lot throughout my injury and tough times and obviously TK as well,” Patrick said yesterday following practice, “The whole team has supported me a lot. It was obviously extremely exciting to be back after everything I have been through. It was really fun.”
There is a reason Kevin Hayes gets an “A” for Alternate Captain on his jersey. Hayes has provided instrumental leadership for the younger players. Time and time again he says the right things, does the right things, and helps the youth off the ice.
Patrick is ecstatic, happy to be back with the boys, and confident. A lot of this self-confidence comes from Kevin Hayes. it’s much easier to come in and do your job when people support you. This migraine disorder to Patrick was not his fault, but it’s much easier to come in to perform when you’re ready when those around you have your back, “Obviously, it was really exciting to be back after being out for so long,” Patrick said following practice yesterday, “It doesn’t really compare to my first NHL game, but like I said, really excited to get back and being around the team again and being back out there was really exciting.”
Hayes and Vigneault developed a good relationship and one that rubbed off on the locker room. Hayes has helped with this group of Flyers to better understand Vigneault’s system. Fletcher tried to make this locker room less toxic, by putting his own stamp on the roster, and boy Hayes definitely has these Flyers riding high early in the season.
