What happened: The 34-year-old center joins the KHL after 12 NHL seasons. Hayes entered the offseason as an unrestricted free agent.
Why it matters: Ak Bars reached the 2026 Gagarin Cup Final, losing the series in six games. Hayes adds extensive North American experience to a club seeking another title run.
By the numbers: Hayes recorded four goals and four assists in 28 games during 2025-26. He has 446 points in 805 NHL regular-season games and 26 points in 56 playoff appearances.
What to watch: Hayes' role and debut date will come into focus as Ak Bars prepares for the 2026-27 season.