After a weekend of trade rumors between the Philadelphia Flyers and the St. Louis Blues, the two teams reached agreement on a deal. The Flyers sent Kevin Hayes to the Blues, retaining 50% of his contract, for a 2024 sixth round draft pick.
Throughout the weekend, rumors swirled about a potential blockbuster deal involving both teams. It seemed like Hayes and Travis Sanheim would be dealt to St. Louis, but the original deal fell through. Despite the fallout, it remained certain that Hayes was going to be traded regardless.
During his four seasons in Philadelphia, Hayes totaled 157 points (63G, 94A) in 253 games played. He joined the Flyers ahead of the 2019 season after Chuck Fletcher acquired his rights from the Winnipeg Jets for a fifth round pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Fletcher then signed Hayes to a 7yr/$50mil contract.
An NHL All-Star last season, Hayes produced career high numbers on offense. In 2022-2023, Hayes tallied 54 points (18G, 36A) in 81 games played. Hayes had a strong return after an injury-riddled and mentally challenging 2021-2022 campaign.
His career year didn’t come without conflict. Throughout the season, Hayes butted heads with John Tortorella, who benched him multiple times, including a healthy scratch against the New York Rangers on December 17th, 2022. Tortorella didn’t trust that Hayes was reliable in the middle of the ice on defense, swapping out for Noah Cates.
Still, the Rebuild Moves
Daniel Briere is attempting to acquire assets and address the Flyers’ salary cap. While a rebuild doesn’t mean a ‘fire sale,’ according to Briere, he has let other team’s know that all options are available, and that he’s listening.
He dealt Ivan Provorov to the Columbus Blue Jackets on June 6th. Now, Hayes goes to St. Louis. Briere remains active in the opening paces of the Flyers’ rebuild with more moves expected in the offseason if the price is right.
(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
