Sat, Jun 29, 2024 at 12:45pm

HAYES HEADS TO PITTSBURGH

The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired forward Kevin Hayes and a second-round draft pick in 2025 from the St. Louis Blues for future considerations.

What does it give the Pittsburgh Penguins
This is a stark contrast to how the Penguins have operated the past 15-plus seasons. This trade is mainly about the second-round draft pick. Hayes has struggled the last couple of seasons. He has gotten slower as the NHL gets faster, decreasing his effectiveness. The Pens hope Hayes adds some offensive punch as a bottom-six forward and on special teams, while continuing to win face-offs at a high percentage.

What does it give the St. Louis Blues
The Blues took a gamble last off-season that Hayes would bounce back, after a down year with the Flyers. That did not happen, and now they decided to move him out to create roster opportunities and cap space. One has to question the asset management here, as the Blues gave up a sixth-round draft pick to acquire him, and a second-round draft pick to ship him out–after only 79 games and 29 points for the franchise.

Fantasy impact
Hayes is no longer a fantasy option at this stage of his career. His play continues to decline, so the Pens may be stuck with an overpaid player who is blocking the path of some younger players. He will likely play limited minutes and possibly get some power-play time, but 25-35 points is probably his ceiling next season.