It's the third time since the end of the 2020-21 season that Hayes had surgery to his midsection. He had core muscle surgery in May and abdominal surgery Sept. 21 sidelined him for the first 12 games of the season.
Hayes aggravated the injury in his second game, against the Calgary Flames on Nov. 16, and missed six games. He played 18 straight games since returning to the lineup Dec. 1 and scored nine points (three goals, six assists) in 20 games.
Philadelphia coach Mike Yeo said the decision to have surgery was made by the Flyers medical staff before their 4-1 loss at the New York Islanders on Monday. Hayes had two shots on goal playing 16:57 in that game.
"Kevin knew this was going to happen yesterday and he still went into New York and played the game for us, which says a lot about him," Yeo said. "I'm not exactly sure what the timeline is, but I know he's very optimistic he can be back before that timeline says. He's a guy that wants to play. He's been through a lot. For him being at the rink and being with the players, helping his teammates, has done a lot for him and he does a lot for us. We're hoping that this is a quick recovery and we can get him back on the ice very soon."
Hayes has been dealing with the Aug. 24 death of his older brother, former NHL forward Jimmy Hayes.
"He was trying to battle through some things," Flyers forward Scott Laughton said. "I commend him for playing through what he has and what he's gone through. Unbelievable teammate and a guy we'll miss in the room."
The Flyers planned to play this season with Sean Couturier, Hayes, Derick Brassard and Nate Thompson as their top four centers, and each is out of the lineup. Couturier has not played since Dec. 18 because of an upper-body injury; Brassard will miss his 18th game in the past 20 because of a hip injury; and Thompson has been out since Nov. 26 with a shoulder injury. Patrick Brown, who also has played center this season, is expected to be out four weeks because of a sprained MCL in his knee sustained against the San Jose Sharks on Jan. 8.
The Flyers (13-18-8) lost their ninth straight game Tuesday, 4-3 to the Islanders in a shootout Tuesday.
"We need guys to step up," Yeo said. "Connor Bunnaman is getting an opportunity, Morgan Frost will get moved up and play in a third-line role. We'll get a chance to see what he can do. Guys have to rise to that occasion."
