Kevin Hayes has decided to call it a career.
The longtime NHLer is hanging up his skates despite signing a one-year deal in the KHL for this upcoming season, he announced on social media on Monday.
Hayes played five games with AK Bars Kazan in Russia before retiring.
“I have decided to end my hockey career,” he said in the announcement. “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.”
Hayes, drafted 24th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010, spent 12 seasons playing in the NHL.
Over 805 career NHL games with the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues and Pittsburgh Penguins, he accumulated 446 points (185 goals and 261 assists).
Hayes spent the past two years with the Penguins, appearing in just 28 games in 2025-26, putting up four goals and four assists.
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