Pittsburgh Penguins Provide a Positive Update on Kevin Hayes Return From Injury

The Pittsburgh Penguins haven't had forward Kevin Hayes with them so far this year because of an upper body injury, but there's positive news to be shared as they continue their west coast road trip.

Hayes was on the ice earlier today for practice in San Jose as the Penguins get ready to play the Sharks on Saturday night.

Right now, it doesn't look like Hayes will be able to play against the Sharks, but his presence on the ice is a positive sign that he could come back later on the trip or soon after they return back home.

Hayes was taken with the 24th overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, but instead he chose to play for the Boston College Eagles, where he was named to the All-Hockey East First Team and named a AHCA East First-Team All-American.

He would sign his 1st professional contract with the New York Rangers in 2014, where he would play for the next several years until he was traded to the Winnipeg Jets at the 2019 Deadline for a 1st round pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft, Brendan Lemieux and a conditional 4th round pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

After his rights were traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, he signed a 7 year contract with an AAV (average annual value) of $7.14 million. He played in Philadelphia until 2023 when he was dealt to the St. Louis Blues for a 6th round pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

Yet again, he was traded in June of 2024 to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

He has 437 points (181G, 256A) in 777 career NHL games.