The Penguins introduced new forward Kevin Hayes yesterday, and the former Rangers, Jets, Flyers and Blues veteran said he has a lot to prove with his new team. Hayes was acquired along with a second-round 2025 draft choice for “future considerations” last month. The 2023 All-Star lamented the end of his time with the Flyers, where he didn’t get along with coach John Tortorella, and last season with St. Louis, where he says he just couldn’t define his role.
Hayes says it is a blow to the ego when teams don’t want you anymore, but he’s looking forward to a fresh start in Pittsburgh.
Hayes had 13 goals and 16 assists in 79 games last season, but he says he just didn’t fit in with the Blues.
Hayes is friends with Sidney Crosby. He says he is looking forward to being with Sid on the Penguins and watching how the Pens’ captain goes about his business. In fact, he wants to see how Crosby, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin continue to be productive as older players.
Hayes says he’s talked with the Penguins’ coaches about his role in the bottom six. Team president Kyle Dubas envisions him as the fourth-line center, allowing Noel Acciari to move to wing. Hayes also says he wants to be a key member of the penalty-killing unit.
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