By Mary McCarthy
The Flyers have acquired the rights to Kevin Hayes from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.
Hayes will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1
The 27-year-old forward was traded to the Jets from the New York Rangers on February 25, for Brendan Lemieux, a 2019 first-round pick and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2022.
Hayes recorded 14 goals and 42 points in 51 games with the Rangers, then put up five goals and 12 points in 20 games with the Jets during the 2018-19 season.
Capable of playing either center or wing, Hayes ought to be an versatile asset for the Flyers and it would appear unlikely that he’d test the market after this deal.
