The addition of Hayes was a missing glue piece that the Flyers lacked until 2019-20. For his efforts, the team became a legit threat in the East Division before the season began, and contenders for once. Hayes has been remarkable with Nolan Patrick too, “Haysey was a guy who helped me out a lot throughout my injury and tough times and obviously TK as well,” Patrick said a few months ago 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.
However, it has to be said. What has gotten into Kevin Hayes lately? Yes, he is producing as Hayes has 11 goals and 13 assists currently on the season, but he just seems off lately. He is making careless mistakes with the puck, as Hayes has been seen doing these behind the back passes to no Flyer around, thus on multiple occasions the puck goes the other way for a 2-on-1 odd man rush with Brian Elliott or Carter Hart bailing him out on a nightly basis recently. This has been happening for weeks, and it is really causing more harm than good. In addition, the big plays or highlight reels involving Hayes hasn’t been happening as often this year for Hayes. As a matter of fact the Flyers have yet to tally a short-handed goal through 34 games, where Hayes had four last season in 69 games played.
There has to be a balance while producing and playing well defensively. His attention to detail on the defensive side of the puck has lacked this season, as he also has been seen with bad gaps, and refraining from taking the body. This article is not a roasting of Hayes, but he is a leader in the locker room and a voice for this young Flyers team that has an average age of 27-years-old. If these younger players see Hayes being irresponsible defensively and with the puck, than they might do the same. Head Coach Alain Vigneault held Hayes accountable a few months ago saying, “I expect more defensively from him,” however, that was when Sean Couturier was injured.
Now with Couturier healthy, Hayes has still remained inconsistent on the defensive side of the puck. This is unlike him, as he thinks defensive first. He is missing assignments and looks lethargic at times. Again this is not a roasting of Hayes, but he is an integral part of the team, and quite frankly one of the most important pieces to this team. Hayes has been defensively reliable, and that is one reason he wears an “A”.
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. Hopefully the Hayes of old returns to form and can help this team try to salvage the season.
