What happened: The 34-year-old forward leaves the NHL after 12 seasons and 805 regular-season games. Hayes spent the past two seasons with Pittsburgh, producing four goals and eight points in 28 games in 2025-26.
Why it matters: Ak Bars adds a veteran forward with 446 career NHL points for the 2026-27 season. The move closes Hayes' two-year Pittsburgh stint, during which he recorded 17 goals and 31 points in 92 games.
By the numbers: Hayes totaled 185 goals and 261 assists across 805 NHL regular-season games. He played for five clubs during that span and recorded 23 points in 64 games in 2024-25 before appearing in 28 games last season.
What to watch: Hayes will compete for a role in Ak Bars' forward group as the club prepares for the KHL season.