Penguins Forward Kevin Hayes Looking To Prove He Can Produce

One of the newest additions on the Pittsburgh Penguins roster is prepared to produce with his new team.

Pittsburgh acquired center Kevin Hayes from the St. Louis Blues on June 29, adding him and a second-round selection for future considerations. The 32-year-old has produced for much of his NHL career but is coming off a down season in his lone year with St. Louis.

Hayes played 79 games, scoring 13 goals, 16 assists, and 29 points. The total was the lowest of his career and it’s why he heads to the Penguins with a lot to prove in the 2024-25 season.

Speaking with NHL.com’s Wes Crosby, Hayes notes that after jumping from team to team the last two seasons, he is looking to prove that he can still produce in the NHL and for the Penguins.

“Definitely an ego shot when you go on two teams in two years,” Hayes said, as transcribed by Crosby. “I’m a pretty confident person. I’ve been in the League for a long time. I’ve had successful seasons. I know what I need to do to make sure my game works in this league. I think I’ll have a good opportunity in Pittsburgh to do that.

“I think instead of it being an ego shot, I’ll use it more as motivation to kind of show those two teams I can still play and produce in this league.”

Hayes recorded 54 points in the 2022-23 season with the Philadelphia Flyers. Considering the deal that the Penguins made, there’s an opportunity for both the player and the team to greatly benefit from the deal.

Pittsburgh will kick off the 2024-25 season against the New York Rangers on Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. EST.

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