Philadelphia Flyers Forward Linked to Columbus Blue Jackets

According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, look for Philadelphia Flyers forward Kevin Hayes to be on the radar of the Columbus Blue Jackets this summer. After failed attempts to trade Hayes to the Carolina Hurricanes, Flyers management could look to buy out the veteran center and he has ties to the Blue Jackets.

Considering their need for more center depth, it could be a match made in heaven. Friedman had this to say on a recent 32 Thoughts blog:

I don’t think there was much with Kevin Hayes and Carolina, but I do think there’s something with Columbus. Two of his biggest fans — Johnny Gaudreau and Rick Nash — are there.

Hayes currently has three more seasons left on his deal at $7.1 million against the cap. He holds a 12-team modified no-trade clause, however there's likely little interest to make a trade and the Blue Jackets would be more inclined to wait for the Flyers to work out a buy out to then swoop in.

In 64 games this season, Hayes has collected 49 points and at times, has looked like the number one center the Blue Jackets desperately need.

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