Flyers’ questionable Kevin Hayes signing continues trend

The Flyers have been one of the most aggressive NHL teams this offseason, and that continues with their big-money pact with former Ranger Kevin Hayes.

The two sides have agreed on a surprising seven-year, $50 million contract, according to TSN, reuniting Hayes with former Rangers coach Alain Vigneault in Philadelphia for the foreseeable future. The move is considered an overpayment by some as Hayes finished last season with 55 points in 71 games, and has never recorded more than 60 points in a season. It’s the latest in a line of moves by the Flyers to get themselves back into Stanley Cup contention.

It started in April with fired by the Rangers following the 2017-18 season.

They took a slight risk earlier this month in trading a fifth-round pick to Winnipeg to acquire Hayes acquire star defenseman Jacob Trouba.

Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher then made a big trade by bringing in defenseman Matt Niskanen from the Capitals for Radko Gudas. He made another trade Tuesday designed on improving the blue line, acquiring Justin Braun from the Sharks for a 2019 second-round pick and a 2020 third-round pick.

After some rocky moments with Vigneault earlier in his career, Hayes took a big leap the last couple of seasons and developed into a reliable matchup center. Now the two will look to bring one of the Rangers’ rivals back to prominence.