BREAKING - The Philadelphia Flyers Set to Engage in Trade Talks To Send Kevin Hayes Packing

As first reported by Elliotte Friedman a month ago, and recently reiterated on the Snow the Goalie podcast by Anthony SanFilippo, it is believed that the Columbus Blue Jackets may be a likely destination for Hayes. Chuck Fletcher, the former GM, was said to have been in trade discussions with the Jackets leading up to the deadline, but kept the details of the negotiations under wraps.

Sources say that the Flyers feel that $5 million per year is a fair price for what Hayes brings to the ice. While they are open to negotiation, they are pretty firm on their belief of what they feel should be retained of Hayes' $7.14 million AAV over the next three seasons.

Anthony DiMarco of The Fourth Period has also been told that the Flyers will continue to discuss trade possibilities with Columbus in the lead up to the NHL Draft, with Hayes at the center of those conversations.

Hayes, 31, had a career-high 54 points over 81 games last season. He originally signed his seven-year, $50 million contract with the Flyers in June of 2019. It remains to be seen whether or not Hayes will continue to wear the Flyers jersey next season.