The St. Louis Blues have acquired forward Kevin Hayes from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. This trade comes as a surprise to many fans and analysts, as Hayes was only acquired by the Flyers in 2019 and had a solid season with the team.
Hayes, a 29-year-old center, had 12 goals and 31 points in 55 games with the Flyers last season. He was signed to a seven-year, $50 million contract in 2019 and was expected to be a key player for the team moving forward. However, with the Flyers struggling to make the playoffs this season, it seems that they have decided to move on from Hayes and focus on rebuilding their roster.
The Blues, on the other hand, are looking to add depth to their forward group as they prepare for another playoff run. Hayes brings size and skill to the team, and his ability to play both center and wing makes him a versatile addition to the lineup. He will likely slot in as a third-line center behind Ryan O’Reilly and Brayden Schenn.
While some fans may be disappointed to see Hayes leave Philadelphia, it’s important to remember that trades are a normal part of the NHL. Teams are constantly looking for ways to improve their rosters, and sometimes that means making difficult decisions and parting ways with players who have been valuable contributors.
For the Flyers, this trade may be just the beginning of a larger roster overhaul. With several key players set to become unrestricted free agents this offseason, including defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere and forward James van Riemsdyk, the team will have some tough decisions to make about who to keep and who to let go.
As for the Blues, they will be hoping that Hayes can help them make another deep playoff run this season. With his size, skill, and versatility, he should be a valuable addition to the team and could help them compete with the likes of the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights in the highly competitive Western Conference.
Overall, this trade is a reminder that the NHL is a constantly evolving league, and teams must be willing to make bold moves in order to stay competitive. While it may be difficult for some fans to see a beloved player leave their team, it’s important to trust in the decisions made by management and look forward to what the future holds.
