Kevin Hayes
A big, skilled forward whose late-blooming NHL journey took him from college standout to a reliable top-six scorer and leader.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American ice hockey player·Birthday: May 8·Millennials
Biography
Kevin Hayes took the road less traveled to the NHL, and it forged a versatile, dependable pro. After a standout career at Boston College, where he won a national championship, he used a loophole in the draft system to become a free agent, choosing the New York Rangers in a much-publicized move. In Manhattan, the 6'5" forward evolved from a raw prospect into a consistent two-way center, using his long reach and soft hands to contribute offensively while handling defensive responsibilities. A trade to Philadelphia saw him embrace a larger role, eventually being named an alternate captain for the Flyers. Later in his career, a move to St. Louis and then Pittsburgh showcased his adaptability, as he provided veteran savvy and secondary scoring for teams in contention.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kevin was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kevin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Kevin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the NCAA National Championship with Boston College in 2012.
- Recorded a career-high 55 points (25 goals, 30 assists) in the 2018-19 NHL season with the New York Rangers.
- Served as an alternate captain for the Philadelphia Flyers during his tenure with the team.
- Played over 700 regular-season games in the NHL as a dependable top-nine forward.
Did You Know?
His younger brother, Jimmy Hayes, also played in the NHL, and the two were teammates briefly in Boston.
Hayes was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010 but did not sign with them.
He and his brother started a popular podcast called 'Missin' Curfew' with fellow NHLer Scottie Upshall.
He played high school hockey at Noble and Greenough School in Massachusetts.
“You show up, you work, you do your job for the guy next to you.”
