We really don't know if the Jackets might want that cap space in 2024 or in 2025. They could easily have better uses come up (did anyone predict Gaudreau to the Jackets two years ago? It's funny that Gaudreau is on the Jackets because Hayes' contract got in the way.) Committing $6m in cap to a guy you probably don't need in those years is unwise.
If it was $3m retention I'd probably still say no, I don't think Hayes is a good fit. I think the Flyers are probably stuck between heavy retention and a buyout, they don't have another option and it should be more than $1m retention if they find a taker.
Jackets could always add somewhere else via trade as the free agent market is weak this summer, Columbus does need help down the middle as others have stated but Hayes might not be what Jarmo is looking for even if the Jackets get Bedard with the 1st overall selection.
It would be a mistake on the Flyers part to retain heavily or buyout Hayes this far out in his contract as he still produces points and is a good locker room veteran to learn from.
Columbus has a better team then what the standings indicate due to a massive amount of injuries that have decimated their lineup from the start of the season.
Was messing around and made a next season Columbus lineup with Hayes and Bedard on it and took Roslovic off the lineup. The Jackets could use a 2nd pairing LD maybe via trade or free agency if they can make some space on the roster.
This is not what the Jackets lineup will look like next season it is just for conversation.
Line 1 LW Gaudreau C Hayes RW Laine
Line 2 LW Johnson C Bedard RW Marchenko
Line 3 LW Robinson C Jenner RW Danforth
Line 4 LW Sillinger C Kuraly RW Olivier
1st Pair LD Werenski RD Jiricek
2nd Pair LD Bean RD Blankenburg
3rd Pair LD Berni RD Peeke
Goalies:
Starter: Merzlikins
Backup: Tarasov
Scratches:
RW Bemstrom
RD Gudbranson
RD Boqvist
LW Foudy < Waivers back to AHL
C Pederson < unqualified RFA
LD Bayreuther < UFA
G Hutchinson < UFA
LW Texier < Unknown if he’ll return to NHL next season