Jackets fans when presented with a middle 6 center/former linemate combo player that will most likely have retention/doing this trade to get rid of the worst contract in the league:

Honestly as a flyers fan who has watched Hayes the past couple of years the hate is overblown. At the time of his contract the center market was bone dry, he was essentially the best option, he probably should have been paid around 5 mil per as 7 mil is steep, but with the cap going up I don't even have an issue keeping him. He's been one of our best players offensively and pretty consistent. He is very slow and not physical for his size thats his big downfall, but finds a way to slow the game down and make good plays, his shot is good, and he has a solid finish when he gets the chance. If you put him on a line with a play maker he will score. He is JVR light version in JVRs prime.

I don’t have a problem with him as a a player at all. I just don’t want Columbus to give up assets for a 31 year old middle 6 center making 7 million a year. When they are so far away from contending.

Gudbranson is not the piece in this trade.
It would be nice.
He will stay for at least another year for his mentorship and toughness that they need.
Hayes would be a fine 2C IF the Jackets land Bedard.
Hayes could use a change of scenery.
He has a high price, but chemistry could be very good with the current lineup of potentially high scoring wingers of Laine, Gadreau, Johnson, and Marchenko.
I would not not do this if the Jackets do NOT land a top C that they can use at entry level salary to absorb his high cost.

Totally get it, have a feeling the flyers would retain 2-3 mil or take back a contract.