25 Facts About Kevin Hayes

Early Life and Family

Kevin Hayes' journey in hockey began in a family deeply rooted in the sport. Let's dive into his early life and family background.

1. Kevin Patrick Hayes was born on May 8, 1992, in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.

2. Youngest of Five: Kevin is the youngest of five children. His older brother, Jimmy Hayes, also played professional hockey, creating a sibling rivalry on the ice.

3. Hockey Legacy: The Hayes family boasts a strong hockey legacy. Cousins include New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald and former NHL player Keith Tkachuk.

Education and College Hockey Career

Kevin's education and college hockey career played a significant role in shaping his professional journey.

4. Noble and Greenough School: Hayes attended this prestigious school, where he excelled in both academics and hockey.

5. Boston College: After high school, Kevin majored in communications at Boston College, where he played four seasons with the Eagles.

6. Top Line: At Boston College, Hayes played on the top line with Bill Arnold and Johnny Gaudreau, forming a formidable trio.

7. Senior Year: In his senior year, he scored 65 points (27 goals and 38 assists) in 40 games, earning All-Hockey East First Team and AHCA East First-Team All-American honors.

Professional Debut and Career

Kevin Hayes' professional career has seen him play for multiple NHL teams, showcasing his talent and versatility.

8. Drafted by Chicago Blackhawks: Hayes was drafted in the first round (24th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.

9. New York Rangers: After college, he signed his first professional contract with the New York Rangers in 2014, where he played for five seasons.

10. Trade to Winnipeg Jets: In 2019, Hayes was traded to the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for Brendan Lemieux and two draft picks.

11. Philadelphia Flyers: Later in 2019, the Flyers acquired Hayes on a seven-year, $50 million contract. He quickly became a fan favorite.

12. Gene Hart Memorial Award: During his first year with the Flyers, Hayes received this award for displaying the most "heart" on the team.

Playing Style and Development

Kevin Hayes is known for his unique playing style and development under influential coaches.

13. Short-Handed Abilities: Hayes excels in managing the penalty kill and scoring short-handed goals, making him a valuable asset.

14. 200-Foot Game: Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher praised Hayes' 200-foot game, highlighting his all-around skills.

15. Coach Alain Vigneault: Hayes credits his development to coach Alain Vigneault, who helped transform him into a complete player.

International Play

Kevin Hayes has represented the United States on the international stage, showcasing his skills globally.

16. 2014 IIHF World Championship: Hayes and his brother Jimmy represented the U.S. in Minsk, Belarus, where Kevin recorded one goal and one assist in eight games.

17. 2017 IIHF World Championship: Hayes played alongside Johnny Gaudreau and scored his first two goals of the tournament in a 5–3 win over Germany.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Off the ice, Kevin Hayes is known for his personal life and community involvement.

18. Hockey Fights Cancer: Hayes is an advocate for this cause, as both of his parents are cancer survivors.

19. Marriage: Kevin Hayes married Katya Vasilyev on July 16, 2023, marking a significant milestone in his personal life.

20. Big Hayes-y 13 Beer: Yards Brewing Company in Philadelphia released this New England IPA in 2020, named after Hayes.

Current Team and Career Statistics

Kevin Hayes continues to make an impact in the NHL, currently playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

21. Pittsburgh Penguins: As of the current season, Hayes plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins, bringing his experience and skills to the team.

22. Career Statistics: Over his decade-long NHL career, Hayes has played in over 700 games, scoring more than 300 goals and 400 assists.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Kevin Hayes has received numerous awards and honors.

23. Gene Hart Memorial Award: Hayes received this award for his dedication and heart on the ice during his time with the Flyers.

24. All-Hockey East First Team: During his college career, Hayes earned this honor for his outstanding performance.

25. AHCA East First-Team All-American: Hayes was recognized as one of the top players in college hockey with this prestigious award.

Kevin Hayes: A Hockey Legacy

Kevin Hayes has carved out an impressive career in the NHL. From his early days at Noble and Greenough School to his standout years at Boston College, Hayes has consistently shown dedication and skill. Drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks, he chose to hone his talents in college before making his professional debut with the New York Rangers. His journey has taken him through teams like the Winnipeg Jets, Philadelphia Flyers, and now the Pittsburgh Penguins. Known for his short-handed prowess and leadership, Hayes has also made significant contributions off the ice, advocating for Hockey Fights Cancer and engaging in community initiatives. His family's strong hockey legacy, including his late brother Jimmy and cousins Tom Fitzgerald and Keith Tkachuk, adds another layer to his story. Kevin Hayes continues to be a respected figure in hockey, leaving a lasting impact both on and off the ice.