Quoting: DirtyDangles
We have to realize that Hayes may not be going anywhere now. If both Bergeron and Krecji retire then MAYBE BOS would have some interest but I can't see many teams on his NTC list
Oh I agree, but I think with the pretty bad UFA crop this year, theres at least 2-3 other teams that would be interested in Hayes (with retention and with limited return). Certainly it depends on his NTC, but also means PHI may have alot more than 10 mil in cap space.
Its also about his comfort, his outlook on the rest of his career, etc....but I think theres some teams interested and the best UFA options are either going to be real high, or are not 2Cs (Compher is a good example). But some possible destinations, off the top of my head:
CBS has two premiere goalscorers (Laine and Gaudreau) and some good youth coming, but no playmaker, and while Hayes is not a 1C, look at the Assist stats voracek had with laine before his premature retirement, and have Boone Jenner, a 3C, playing 1C
COL has limited cap space, but need probably a 2C and 3C while they still have their window. For a meagre price? Sure.
BOS
CAR really suffered with Kotkanemi having to play 2C, and while he played/produced well for a while, he was a bit overmatched in playoffs
TOR would love to resign Ryan O'Reilly, but his UFA price might be high and cap is an issue, might work if TOR offloads a salary in the trade
CGY is heading a bit of a UFA armageddon in 24-25, and with lindholm, backlund, toffoli, hanifan, dube, tanev, zadorov and more all expiring, poor kadri and huberdeau could use a forward with term