The St. Louis Blues have traded forward Kevin Hayes to the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with a second-round draft pick in 2025, in exchange for future considerations. This move marks a significant shift for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming NHL season.
Kevin Hayes, a 32-year-old center, spent just one season with the Blues after being traded from the Philadelphia Flyers in June 2023. During his tenure with St. Louis, Hayes recorded 13 goals and 16 assists, totaling 29 points over 79 games. This was the lowest output in a full season for Hayes throughout his 10-year NHL career, which includes stints with the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, and Philadelphia Flyers.
The Penguins’ acquisition of Hayes is seen as a low-risk, potentially high-reward move. Pittsburgh is looking to bolster its center depth, and Hayes is expected to fit into a third- or fourth-line role. Despite his recent down season, Hayes has shown the ability to be a productive player in the past. His career-high in goals came during the 2016-17 season with the Rangers, where he netted 25 goals. Additionally, he achieved a career-high in points during the 2022-23 season with the Flyers, amassing 54 points.
Hayes has two years remaining on his contract, which carries an annual cap hit of $7.1 million. However, the Flyers retained 50% of his salary in the initial trade to St. Louis, meaning the Penguins will only be responsible for a cap hit of just over $3.5 million per season. This financial arrangement makes the acquisition more palatable for Pittsburgh, allowing them to add a veteran presence without significantly impacting their salary cap.
For the Blues, trading Hayes and a second-round pick helps clear cap space ahead of the NHL free agency period, which opens on July 1. This move provides St. Louis with more flexibility to pursue other opportunities and strengthen their roster for the future.
Hayes’ career statistics are notable, with 168 goals and 247 assists for a total of 415 points over 713 NHL games. His size and experience make him a valuable addition to the Penguins, who are looking to make a deep playoff run. The trade also highlights Pittsburgh’s strategy of adding experienced players who can contribute immediately, as they aim to maximize the remaining prime years of their core players.
The Penguins still have four picks remaining in the NHL Draft, and this trade adds another layer of intrigue to their offseason plans. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Hayes integrates into the team and whether he can return to his previous form.
In summary, the trade of Kevin Hayes to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for future considerations and a second-round draft pick in 2025 is a strategic move for both teams. The Penguins gain a seasoned center who can provide depth and experience, while the Blues free up cap space to make further moves in free agency. As the NHL offseason progresses, this trade will be one to watch, with potential implications for both teams’ success in the upcoming season.
Source: ESPN, CBS Pittsburgh
