from Sam Carchidi of Philly Hockey Now,

Kevin Hayes has been the Philadelphia Flyers’ most productive offensive player with 29 points in 31 games. But three benchings, and coach John Tortorella’s complaints about his defense and play without the puck have stirred trade rumors.

The winger/center has a limited no-trade clause.

There is also speculation that the Flyers will buy out the final three years of his Hayes’ contract.

On his “32 Thoughts” podcast Monday, the highly respected Elliotte Friedman said: “I’m sure in Tortorella’s eyes, he says, ‘I’ve warned you, I’ve warned you, and it didn’t get any better.’ And Hayes I’m sure is saying, ‘Look, I’m scoring. This team isn’t winning games. How does it help the team (to bench him?’) He’s like any other player. He doesn’t want to get benched.”

Said Friedman: “I looked at Hayes’ contract. In his deal, there’s about 14 million in bonuses. Almost all of that is paid off. … I have to tell you, I can’t help but look at this contract and say, is this going to be a buyout at the end of the year? At the end of the year if he gets bought out, he’ll make slightly more that 2 million a season on average.”

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