Kevin Hayes Opens Up About Gruesome Injury That Changed His Life for the Better

For some individuals, there comes a moment in their lives when an injury can dramatically alter their perspective on life and their physical and mental capabilities. This transformation is especially common among professional athletes who often face career-threatening injuries that could also jeopardize their lives.

This particular scenario is what former Flyers centerman, Kevin Hayes, experienced during his college years. The injury occurred while Hayes was playing for Boston College against the UMass Lowell River Hawks.

It resulted in a severe leg injury, causing him to lose consciousness when he was off the ice. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with compartment syndrome, a condition that necessitated four emergency surgeries on his left quadriceps.

This gruesome injury forced him to pause and consider the possibility that he might never play hockey again. Hayes candidly revealed this during the Cam and Strict Podcast, shedding light on how this injury ultimately transformed his life, offering him a fresh perspective on life itself.



During his career, he has been associated with five NHL organizations. In his most recent stint with the Flyers, he spent four years with the team. In the 2022-2023 season, he played 81 games, scoring eighteen goals and providing 36 assists for a total of 54 points, with 23 penalty minutes.

Numerous rumours were circulating within the NHL that he would be traded during the summer months, as general manager Danny Breer was prepared to initiate a teardown and rebuilding phase for the team. This trade did indeed occur, with Hayes being moved to the St. Louis Blues for a nominal return.

Additionally, the Flyers retained 50% of his salary. As both Kevin Hayes and the Flyers move forward, we extend our best wishes to him in St. Louis.