Kevin Hayes Signs One-Year Deal with KHL's AK Bars Kazan

Kevin Hayes has embarked on a new phase in his hockey career by signing a one-year contract with AK Bars Kazan in the KHL, as announced on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old winger was drafted 24th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010 and has played 12 seasons in the NHL, where he participated in over 805 games with teams including the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, and Pittsburgh Penguins. Throughout his NHL career, he recorded 446 points, comprising 185 goals and 261 assists.

In the last two seasons, Hayes played for the Penguins, where he appeared in 28 games during the 2025-26 season, scoring four goals and providing four assists. He recently became an unrestricted free agent following the end of his seven-year, $50 million contract.