Flyers sign center Kevin Hayes to $50 million, 7-year deal

June 19, 2019 at 8:17 p.m. | Updated June 19, 2019 at 8:20 p.m.

by The Associated Press

FILE - In this March 10, 2019, file photo, Winnipeg Jets right wing Kevin Hayes (12) shoots the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, in Washington. The Philadelphia Flyers have signed center Kevin Hayes to a $50 million, seven-year contract that s worth $7.14 million per season. Hayes should step in as the Flyers new No. 2 center behind Sean Couturier. General manager Chuck Fletcher announced the deal Wednesday, June 19, 2019, file photo, saying the 6-foot-5, 216-pound Hayes plays a smart, two-way game and is just entering the prime of his career. Philadelphia acquired Hayes negotiating rights from Winnipeg for a fifth-round pick during the Stanley Cup Final.
FILE - In this March 10, 2019, file photo, Winnipeg Jets right wing Kevin Hayes (12) shoots the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, in Washington. The Philadelphia Flyers have signed center Kevin Hayes to a $50 million, seven-year contract that s worth $7.14 million per season. Hayes should step in as the Flyers new No. 2 center behind Sean Couturier. General manager Chuck Fletcher announced the deal Wednesday, June 19, 2019, file photo, saying the 6-foot-5, 216-pound Hayes plays a smart, two-way game and is just entering the prime of his career. Philadelphia acquired Hayes negotiating rights from Winnipeg for a fifth-round pick during the Stanley Cup Final.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Philadelphia Flyers have signed center Kevin Hayes to a $50 million, seven-year contract.

Hayes becomes the Flyers' third-highest paid player with a deal worth $7.14 million per season and should step in as their new No. 2 center behind Sean Couturier. General manager Chuck Fletcher announced the signing Wednesday, saying the 6-foot-5, 216-pound Hayes "plays a smart, two-way game and is just entering the prime of his career."

Philadelphia acquired Hayes' negotiating rights from Winnipeg for a fifth-round pick during the Stanley Cup Final. The Jets got him from the New York Rangers at the trade deadline in February.

Hayes recorded a career-high 55 points in 71 games last season with the Rangers and Jets. He has 92 goals and 137 assists for 229 points in 381 regular-season NHL games.

The Boston College product reunites with new Flyers coach Alain Vigneault, his coach for four seasons in New York.

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