Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Kevin Hayes Signs With Ak Bars Kazan

8/26/2026

34 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

American forward Kevin Hayes signed a contract with KHL club Ak Bars Kazan.
He became a free agent on July 1, 2026 after twelve NHL seasons.
Hayes appeared in 28 games for the 2025-26 Pittsburgh Penguins, tallying four goals and eight points.
His seven-year, $50 million Flyers contract expired, with Philadelphia retaining a $7.14 million cap hit.
Ak Bars reached the Gagarin Cup Final, losing to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in six games.

History

Historical Context

In July 2008, Czech star Jaromír Jágr left the NHL, signing a two-year deal with Avangard Omsk worth about $5 million per year, showing elite players could earn top salaries outside North America. His move sparked a wave of veteran departures, and in 2025 forward Kevin Hayes followed that path, joining KHL club Ak Bars Kazan after his Penguins stint.

1 of 2

Story summary

American forward Kevin Hayes signed a contract with KHL club Ak Bars Kazan.
He became a free agent on July 1, 2026 after twelve NHL seasons.
Hayes appeared in 28 games for the 2025-26 Pittsburgh Penguins, tallying four goals and eight points.
His seven-year, $50 million Flyers contract expired, with Philadelphia retaining a $7.14 million cap hit.
Ak Bars reached the Gagarin Cup Final, losing to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl in six games.

1 / 2