Kevin Hayes Retires After Five Games With Ak Bars Kazan
The 12-year NHL forward ended his career after a five-game, scoreless stint with the KHL club.
Kevin Hayes announced his retirement Monday after playing five games for Ak Bars Kazan in the Kontinental Hockey League.
Hayes joined Ak Bars before the 2026-27 season after becoming an unrestricted free agent. He did not record a point in his five KHL games, according to the league.
“I have decided to end my hockey career,” Hayes said in the announcement. “I can no longer play at the level I am capable of because my body does not allow me to perform at my best. And I cannot accept not being in top form.”
Chicago selected Hayes 24th overall in the 2010 NHL Draft, although he never played for the Blackhawks. He spent 12 NHL seasons with the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues and Pittsburgh Penguins, recording 185 goals and 261 assists for 446 points in 805 regular-season games.
Hayes played his final two NHL seasons with Pittsburgh. He appeared in 28 games in 2025-26 and had four goals and four assists. His seven-year, $50 million contract expired after the season.
