Kevin Hayes announces retirement after 12 NHL seasons

Kevin Hayes has announced his retirement from hockey, ending a 12-season National Hockey League career, according to a statement issued by the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). The 34-year-old forward made the decision on Monday after his latest professional stop with Ak Bars Kazan in the KHL.

Last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Hayes recorded eight points on four goals and four assists in 28 games. He signed a one-year contract with Ak Bars Kazan in the KHL last month and was held without a point in five games.

Hayes was a first-round pick, selected No. 24 by the Chicago Blackhawks at the 2010 NHL Draft. Across 805 regular-season NHL games with the New York Rangers, Winnipeg Jets, Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues and the Penguins, he finished with 445 points, including 185 goals and 261 assists.

In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Hayes totaled 26 points, with eight goals and 18 assists, in 56 games. He also contributed seven points on two goals and five assists in 19 games as a rookie during the 2015 playoffs, helping the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Final, where they fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games.

Hayes addressed the decision in his statement, saying: “I have decided to end my hockey career.” He added that he “can no longer play at the level” he is capable of because “my body does not allow me to perform at my best.”

Written by Vancouver Television Sports Desk