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Penguins Acquire Kevin Hayes and 2025 Second-Round Pick from Blues for Future Considerations

Jun 29, 2024, 04:29 PM

The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired forward Kevin Hayes and a 2025 second-round pick from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for future considerations. The trade is seen as a move by the Blues to clear cap space, shedding Hayes' $3,571,429 average annual value (AAV) contract. The Philadelphia Flyers are retaining 50% of Hayes' $7,142,857 salary through the 2025-26 season. The Penguins' acquisition of Hayes, who does not fit their goal of getting younger and faster, is primarily motivated by the value of the second-round pick. Kyle Dubas hinted at this strategy, noting the Blues aren't particularly good. This move provides the Blues with over $16 million in cap space.