At 31 years old, Hayes is under contract until the end of the 2025-26 season, earning over $7.14 million annually.
Despite his solid performance of 18 goals and 54 points in 81 games this season, the Flyers may seek to shed his contract. However, finding a suitable trade partner could prove challenging, as Hayes' production places him as a middle-six forward rather than a top-tier winger.
Flyers GM Danny Briere might need to accept a lesser return in a trade to maximize Hayes' value before it potentially diminishes further. The Flyers may have limited options, with the potential for over $3.5 million in dead cap space unless they reach an agreement with another team.