Hayes (lower body) won't play in Thursday's game versus the Capitals.

EDGE Analysis

Hayes will miss the season finale with the injury. The 32-year-old ends 2024-25 with 23 points, 52 hits, 98 shots on net and a minus-15 rating across 64 outings. Samuel Poulin will replace Hayes in the lineup.

Hayes (lower body) will be a game-time decision versus Washington on Thursday, Seth Rorabaugh of Tribune-Review Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hayes sat out practice Tuesday and Wednesday and was not at Thursday's optional skate. The 32-year-old has 13 goals, 10 assists, 52 hits and 98 shots on goal over 64 games this season. Should Hayes miss Thursday's season finale, look for the Penguins to recall a forward from AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Hayes is day-to-day with a lower-body injury ahead of Thursday's matchup with Washington, Wes Crosby of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hayes has missed practice Tuesday and Wednesday with what was originally deemed maintenance, but it seems he is dealing with something a little more pressing. Still, with nothing to play for, the Pens have no reason to force the veteran center into the lineup. If he does miss out, Joona Koppanen is poised to fill the third-line center role.

Hayes scored two goals in Tuesday's 5-0 win over Chicago.

EDGE Analysis

Both goals came in the third period as the Penguins pulled away. It was Hayes' first multi-point performance since Jan. 20 and his first multi-goal showing since Dec. 12, 2023. The 32-year-old center is headed for the least productive season of his NHL career with 13 goals and 23 points in 62 appearances -- his prior low was 29 points in 79 games, set last season with the Blues.

Hayes scored a goal on six shots and added four hits in Thursday's 7-3 loss to the Sabres.

EDGE Analysis

Hayes has four points over his last eight games. The 32-year-old has played a larger role recently while Evgeni Malkin (upper body) has missed the last couple of contests. Hayes has 11 goals, 21 points, 90 shots on net, 48 hits and a minus-14 rating through 57 outings. His promotion to the top six is likely to be temporary, so fantasy managers probably won't need to add Hayes to their rosters.

Hayes provided an assist in Friday's 6-3 win over the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

Hayes has a goal and two assists over his last five contests. The 32-year-old is centered the fourth line, and that's not a great spot for consistent offense, though it helps that the Penguins' offense is on the upswing since the trade deadline. Hayes now has 20 points, 84 shots on net, 38 hits and a minus-14 rating through 54 outings overall.

Hayes scored a goal on two shots in Saturday's 7-3 win over the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

Hayes scored for the first time since Feb. 4 versus the Devils. He had five helpers over 13 contests between goals, but the middle-six minutes he saw earlier in that stretch have gone away, as he's now centering the fourth line. The 32-year-old is at 10 goals, 19 points, 82 shots on net, 38 hits and a minus-14 rating through 52 appearances this season. Hayes' fantasy value is low playing a small role on a middling team.

Hayes notched an assist in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win over the Golden Knights.

EDGE Analysis

Hayes remains in a goal drought that's now at 12 games, but he has earned five helpers and 25 shots on net in that span. He is up to 18 points, 80 shots on net, 35 hits and a minus-14 rating across 50 appearances this season. Hayes lined up as the third-line center Tuesday, but he could also be a candidate to play a top-six role on the wing down the stretch.

Hayes tallied an assist and added four shots during Saturday's 8-3 loss to the Capitals.

EDGE Analysis

Hayes has helpers in consecutive outings and has managed two goals and five points over his last 10 games. Playing through multiple stints on the injured list, the 32-year-old center has managed just 15 points in 41 games and is no longer much of a fantasy asset given his diminished role offensively.

Hayes scored a goal on two shots and added four hits in Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

Hayes ended a five-game point drought with the tally. The 32-year-old forward has often been in the bottom six this season, but he could be in line for a larger role in the near future. Evgeni Malkin (lower body) won't be back before the 4 Nations Face-Off and Sidney Crosby (upper body) is being evaluated after an incident in Tuesday's game, leaving the Penguins' center depth on perilously thin ice. Hayes could move up the lineup to fill some minutes if Crosby misses time. For the season, Hayes has nine goals, 13 points, 55 shots on net, 29 hits and a minus-14 rating over 38 appearances.