Flyers Sign Hayes to 7-year Extension
The Philadelphia Flyers have signed Kevin Hayes to a seven-year contract extension worth $50.0 million ($7.14M AAV).
Seven years, $50 million, $7.14M AAV.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 19, 2019
Hayes was acquired from the Winnipeg Jets for a 2019 fifth-round pick on June 4th and was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. The 27-year-old is coming off of the best season of his career, scoring 19 goals and 36 assists (55 points) in 71 games with the New York Rangers and Jets.
Hayes is now the third highest-paid player on the Flyers, trailing just Claude Giroux ($8.275M AAV) and Jakub Voracek ($8.25M AAV). He is the 48th highest-paid player in the NHL with comparable contracts belonging to:
| Player | Years/Total | Cap-Hit |
| David Krejci (BOS) | 6yrs/$43.5M | $7.25M AAV |
| Bobby Ryan (OTT) | 7yrs/$50.75M | $7.25M AAV |
| Kevin Hayes (PHI) | 7yrs/$50.0M | $7.14M AAV |
| Max Pacioretty (VGK) | 4yrs/$28.0M | $7.00M AAV |
| James van Riemsdyk (PHI) | 5yrs/$35.0M | $7.00M AAV |
| Evander Kane (SJS) | 7yrs/$49.0M | $7.00M AAV |
Hayes, who grades out as the No.48 ranked centre in the NHL (per Corsica Hockey Player Rankings) is expected to open the season on the Flyers second-line. Hayes should play behind Sean Couturier and allows Giroux to stay at winger for the rest of his career. It also allows Nolan Patrick to play on the third line for the foreseeable future. Patrick has struggled since being selected No.2 overall in 2017. Patrick should have a lot easier time against lesser, bottom-6 competition.
Fantasy Hockey Projections
| Player | GP | G | A | PTS | SH | PPG | PPA |
| Kevin Hayes – C (PHI) | 74 | 22 | 34 | 56 | 170 | 2 | 6 |