Kevin Hayes Has Retired from Professional Hockey
The veteran forward announced his retirement following a brief stint in the KHL.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Hockey
Kevin Hayes has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey at the age of 34. Hayes cited ongoing physical limitations as the reason for his decision to step away from the sport.
Why it matters
The retirement concludes a 12-season career that spanned multiple franchises and included a major long-term contract. Hayes chose to end his career after playing just five games for Ak Bars Kazan.
Hayes recorded 185 goals and 445 points over his 805-game NHL career, highlighted by a $50 million contract signed in 2019. He was originally selected 24th overall in the 2010 NHL draft.
The players
Kevin Hayes
He is a professional hockey player who completed 12 seasons in the NHL before retiring in 2026.
Ak Bars Kazan
This is a professional ice hockey club based in Kazan, Russia, that competes in the Kontinental Hockey League.
Pittsburgh Penguins
They are a professional NHL team based in Pittsburgh that served as the final club for Kevin Hayes during his NHL career.
The details
After finishing his NHL career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hayes signed a one-year deal with the KHL's Ak Bars Kazan in August 2026. He played five games for the team without recording a point before releasing his retirement statement on X.
Timeline
Kevin Hayes was selected 24th overall in the 2010 NHL draft.
Hayes made his NHL debut with the New York Rangers in 2014.
He signed a seven-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2019.
In August 2026, Hayes signed a one-year deal with Ak Bars Kazan.
Kevin Hayes announced his retirement in September 2026.
Season Trajectory
Hayes's departure follows a career trajectory common for veteran players transitioning out of the NHL. His exit reflects the broader churn of talent as older players manage declining health and changing roster priorities across professional leagues.
Hayes's retirement removes him from any potential active roster consideration for NHL teams moving forward. The move concludes his career salary obligations and impact on the professional sports market.
The takeaway
Retirement at 34 often signals the point where professional athletes find that physical performance can no longer match the demands of top-tier play. Fans and followers of the sport can look at this transition as a reminder of the finite nature of professional athletic careers.
Further reading
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