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Penguins' 700-Game NHL Veteran 'Very Much Available' on the Trade Market Per Latest Report
The Pittsburgh Penguins, who have missed the playoffs 3 years in a row, appear ready to move on from veteran Kevin Hayes after only a single year with the team.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have now missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the last 3 years in a row, representing the longest drought of captain and future Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby's career.
While Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas has already made a major change in leadership by replacing head coach Mike Sullivan with former New York Rangers assistant Dan Muse, there remains much to be done with the roster.
One player who is likely not going to return for a 2nd year with the Penguins is veteran Kevin Hayes, who they acquired last summer from the St. Louis Blues in return for future considerations.
Per Josh Yohe of The Athletic, Hayes is "very much" available to be acquired in a trade.
Hayes also has one year left on his deal. While he is still somewhat effective on the power play and owns a good pair of hands, his lack of foot speed will phase him out of the NHL sooner rather than later. He's very much available.
Hayes had 13 points (13G, 10A) in his 1st year with the Penguins while getting several minutes on Pittsburgh's 1st power play unit.
He was also Pittsburgh's nominee this year for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, which is awarded annually to the player "who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community."
Hayes has been known for his charitable work with first responders and helped the Penguins honor a first responder and their family at each home game with his "Hayes' Heroes" initiative.
He has 438 points (181G, 257A) in 777 games with the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, Philadelphia Flyers, Blues, and Penguins.
Previously on HockeyUnplugged
| POLL | ||
JUIN 17 | 157 ANSWERS Penguins' 700-Game NHL Veteran 'Very Much Available' on the Trade Market Per Latest Report Should the Penguins trade Kevin Hayes? | ||
| Yes | 112 | 71.3 % |
| No | 45 | 28.7 % |
| List of polls | ||