General Manager Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins spent the whole summer retooling the Penguins’ forwards. Veteran Kevin Hayes was one of the Penguins’ forwards acquired in a trade this offseason. Hayes is entering his 11th season in the NHL, and he has 168 goals and 247 assists for a total of 415 points. He has a career plus/minus of -22.
Hayes is a familiar face to some of the Penguins’ longest-tenured players, including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang. The experienced forward spent the first five years of his career with the New York Rangers, a Metropolitan Division foe. Hayes later played four seasons for their in-state rival, the Philadelphia Flyers.
Now, the big three regard themselves as Hayes’ teammates. But what if they aren’t his teammates for long? NHL reporter Dan Kingerski claimed that Hayes could be traded in the near future. However, if there is a move, it will most likely take place around the NHL trade deadline in February.
Who Would Trade For Kevin Hayes?
Detroit is an emerging squad with a young roster. They want to make the playoffs and may use Hayes’ senior presence and leadership to guide the young core.
Ottawa: Ottawa, like Detroit, is aiming to elevate their game. Hayes, on the other hand, may be more beneficial to the Senators on defense.
Buffalo: Buffalo, like Detroit, is a youthful squad hoping to make the playoffs. A player like Hayes can provide the seasoned presence required.
New Jersey: The Penguins and Devils have traded in the past, and they could do so again. After missing the playoffs last season, the Devils may use Hayes as depth.
Utah: As a relocated franchise, Utah wants to be competitive, and they demonstrated that in free agency this summer. Adding Hayes to their lineup is something they might consider.
Chicago: Similar to Utah, the Blackhawks used free agency to upgrade their roster and hope to improve dramatically from last season. A guy like Hayes can be a mentor to Connor Bedard while still producing in the bottom six.
Any of these seven teams might benefit from Hayes’ experienced expertise and mentoring of the younger players on their roster. Also, teams such as New Jersey, Buffalo, and Chicago expect to be in the playoffs, and Hayes can help with that because he has playoff experience.
Alternatively, other teams that are already in the postseason race and want to add a piece to their roster to help them advance could look at Hayes. A reunion with the Rangers could be in the works.
Why The Penguins Should Trade Kevin Hayes
Dubas should consider transferring Hayes, who is coming off the worst season of his career. Hayes scored 29 points in 79 games this season, a career low. His 16 assists also marked a career low. Furthermore, Hayes’ contract is massive and consumes a percentage of the cap space, with an average value of $7.14 million dollars over the next two seasons and a $3.5 million cap hit. Trading him would free up cap space and, depending on the return, a roster slot that could be better utilized elsewhere (more on that later).
In addition to his awful play, he is 32 years old and not growing any younger. Dubas has stated several times that he wants the Penguins to become younger and more competitive, and based on Hayes’ play and age, he does not fit either mold.
Rutger McGroarty is one player who deserves to be in the NHL lineup. McGroarty has looked strong in training camp so far and was anticipated to play a key part on the squad. Ville Koivunen is another player who might take Hayes’ spot on the roster if he is traded. Koivunen is a top-three prospect for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Some say he could make his NHL debut this season.
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