from TSN,

The Philadelphia Flyers traded a fifth-round pick last week to acquire Kevin Hayes' negotiating rights from the Winnipeg Jets, but with the clock ticking towards July 1, the two sides have still yet to reach a contract.

Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher remained optimistic about talks with the 27-year-old centre on Monday.

"I've had some good preliminary conversations with Kevin and his representation," Fletcher said. "This week, I expect to follow up with Kevin and his camp and we'll see where it goes. I don't know how to characterize it other than we've had good conversations and we're hopeful we can find a way to make something work."

However, AJ Haefele of BSN Denver reports talks between the two sides "haven't really gone great so far." He adds the door remains open for a deal, but the Flyers are racing the clock before June 23 when Hayes can begin speaking to other teams.

Fletcher admitted Monday that Hayes may want to see out the free agent process for the first time in his career.

continued plus Chicago and Carolina topics too...