from Adam Kimelman of NHL.com,

Kevin Hayes understands the expectations that come with the seven-year contract he signed with the Philadelphia Flyers on June 19.

"I wouldn't call it nerves, I'd call it more excitement to show everyone that I am worthy of what I signed for and to take the next step in my career," the 27-year-old forward said of his $49.98 million contract (average annual value of $7.14 million).

Hayes will have a familiar face helping him take those steps. Alain Vigneault, hired as Flyers coach April 15, was Hayes' coach with the New York Rangers during his first four NHL seasons. He scored an NHL career-high 25 goals playing for Vigneault in 2017-18.

"He changed my career path when I was in New York in terms of the way that I look at the game and how I can be effective every night," said Hayes, acquired by Philadelphia in a trade from the Winnipeg Jets on June 3 for a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. "I think when I entered the League I was more of a one-dimensional player, and now I like to consider myself a 200-foot player, and a lot of that has to do with him helping me out."

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