The Philadelphia Flyers made public statement on Wednesday, citing that center Kevin Hayes has undergone core muscle surgery. There is an estimated recovery time of five weeks.
Hayes had a slightly disappointing season in 2020-21, rallying to just 12 goals and 31 points through 55 games. The 29-year-old was expected to build on his 41-point 2019-20 campaign after signing a huge contract upon Alain Vigneualt’s arrival. His debut season was strong and with a young group of forwards to work with, the hope was he’d help them along.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go to plan. After leading the league in short-handed goals last year, he didn’t post a single one in 2021.
Whether or not he spent a portion of the season playing hurt or not is another question entirely, but it may explain the dip in form we saw from an otherwise consistent center and someone who looked to become the Flyers’ offensive engine in his debut season..
With a cap hit of $7.14M next year, Hayes is signed through 2025-2026. Here’s to hoping for a speedy recovery and a resurgence in 2021-22.
Photo Credit: Alex McIntyre
