The Penguins trade acquisition Kevin Hayes projects to strengthen Pittsburgh’s depth, adding a versatile forward to their bottom-six lineup. The Pittsburgh Penguins bolstered their forward depth by acquiring Kevin Hayes from the St. Louis Blues. With an abundance of cap space, General Manager Kyle Dubas wanted to acquire players and assets together. He found a trading partner in Doug Armstrong and the St Louis Blues . Looking to dump the last two years of forward Kevin Hayes’ 3.5-million-dollar cap hit, Dubas stepped in. Dubas acquired Hayes along with a pick in the second round for future considerations. With this move, the Penguins acquired a veteran forward capable of playing a top 9 role. This move, coupled with the presence of Lars Eller , creates a formidable and versatile combination for the bottom six forwards, providing the Penguins with a duo that can interchangeably serve as the third and fourth-line centres.
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 centre and right wing provides coach Mike Sullivan with valuable flexibility in line configurations. Adding a player capable of playing face-offs allows the first centre up to cheat on face-offs knowing they have a back-up center that can over.
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 centre 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 centres on the bottom lines that not only generate offence, 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 offence. 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 centre 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 centre groups in the NHL. This depth will be pivotal in competing for a playoff spot in the regular. 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 playing on the team, as well as an asset in the same trade. As the season progresses, having experienced veterans like Hayes in the lineup will prove valuable as situations like injuries come up.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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