Kevin Hayes, the former Rangers forward known for his two-way play, has announced his retirement from professional hockey. The 34-year-old made the decision public through a statement released by the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) on Monday.

Hayes cited physical limitations as the primary reason for ending his career, saying he could no longer perform at the level he expected of himself. “I can no longer play at the level I am capable of because my body does not allow me to perform at my best,” he said. “And I cannot accept not being in top form.”

Hayes joined Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL in August after spending the previous NHL season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he appeared in 28 games. His time in Russia was brief; he retired after just five games with Kazan, during which he did not register a point. In his most recent outing on September 18, Hayes logged 13 minutes and 10 seconds of ice time. Ak Bars Kazan was scheduled to play again on Monday night.

Hayes enjoyed a notable career in the NHL, which began when the Chicago Blackhawks drafted him 24th overall in 2010. He ultimately signed his entry-level contract with the New York Rangers and spent over four seasons with the team, registering 87 goals and 216 points in 361 regular-season games. He also contributed two goals and 10 points over 34 playoff games with the Rangers.

The forward produced several memorable moments early in his tenure with the Rangers. During his rookie playoff run, Hayes scored an overtime winner in Game 4 of the first round against the Pittsburgh Penguins, giving New York a 3-1 series advantage. Additionally, his power-play goal late in the second period of Game 7 in the following round helped force the capital’s defense to falter, setting the stage for Derek Stepan’s decisive score.

After initially starring at Boston College, Hayes was traded at the 2019 NHL trade deadline from the Rangers to the Winnipeg Jets. The deal included a first-round pick, Brendan Lemieux, and a conditional fourth-round pick that ultimately did not materialize as the Jets failed to secure the Stanley Cup that year.

Throughout his NHL career, Hayes appeared in a total of 861 games, accumulating 193 goals and 470 points. In addition to the Rangers and Jets, Hayes had stints with the Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, and Pittsburgh Penguins. His 2022-23 season with the Flyers earned him an All-Star nod, further highlighting his impact over more than a decade in professional hockey.