Penguins Trade Acquisition Kevin Hayes Projects to Strengthen Pittsburgh’s Depth
The Pittsburgh Penguins bolstered their forward depth by acquiring Kevin Hayes from the St. Louis Blues. With ample cap space, General Manager Kyle Dubas aimed to secure both players and assets. He found a trading partner in Doug Armstrong and the St. Louis Blues, who were looking to offload the last two years of Hayes’ $3.5-million cap hit. Dubas stepped in and acquired Hayes along with a second-round pick for future considerations. This move brings a veteran forward capable of playing a top-nine role, creating a formidable and versatile combination for the bottom-six forwards alongside Lars Eller. Together, they provide the Penguins with a dynamic duo that can interchangeably serve as the third and fourth-line centers.
The Significance of Acquiring Hayes
Versatility
Kevin Hayes brings a unique blend of size, skill, and experience to the Penguins. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 216 pounds, Hayes offers a physical presence that complements his offensive abilities. Despite a down year with the Blues, where he tallied 13 goals and 29 points in 79 games, Hayes has proven his capability to be a productive player. He scored 54 points in the prior season with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2022-23. His ability to play both center and right wing provides coach Mike Sullivan with valuable flexibility in line configurations. Adding a player capable of playing face-offs allows the first center up to cheat on face-offs, knowing they have a backup center that can cover.
Lars Eller, another veteran presence, adds stability and two-way acumen to the lineup. Eller is a former Stanley Cup Champion with the Washington Capitals and has been a reliable third-line center throughout his career. His defensive prowess and ability to win faceoffs make him an ideal candidate to anchor the third or fourth lines, especially in crucial defensive situations.
Penguins Trade Acquisition Hayes and His Strategic Fit
The acquisition of Hayes is beneficial for the team considering the Penguins’ need to enhance their depth scoring and bottom-six talent. Hayes’ offensive upside makes him a valuable asset for a team in need of secondary scoring. When paired with Eller, the Penguins can deploy a pair of centers on the bottom lines that not only generate offense but also provide solid defensive coverage. Integrating Hayes into the Penguins’ system will likely relieve some pressure from the top-six forwards, allowing them to focus more on offense. Additionally, Hayes’ ability to drive play and contribute defensively aligns well with the Penguins’ forechecking style.
The combination of Hayes and Eller, along with fellow center Blake Lizotte, also provides the Penguins with matchup advantages. These players can be deployed in various situations, whether it’s Hayes taking on a more offensive role while Eller focuses on shutting down the opposition, or vice versa. This versatility makes the Penguins a more difficult team to play against.
Penguins Bottom Six for Next Season
The addition of Kevin Hayes, alongside Lars Eller, positions the Pittsburgh Penguins to have one of the most flexible bottom-six center groups in the NHL. This depth will be pivotal in competing for a playoff spot in the regular season. Injuries can add up, and having more reliable centers on the roster can be very beneficial. With Hayes’ potential for a bounce-back season and Eller’s consistent performance, the Penguins are well-equipped to compete for the playoffs. This move by GM Kyle Dubas reflects a commitment to maximizing the Penguins’ competitive window while ensuring the team does not forget about the future. Dubas acquired both a player capable of contributing immediately and an asset for the future in the same trade. As the season progresses, having experienced veterans like Hayes in the lineup will prove valuable as situations like injuries arise.