Upon the completion of his collegiate career, captaining the Bulldogs as a senior in the 2016–17 season, Hayden embarked on his professional career in agreeing to a two-year, entry-level contract on March 15, 2017.[4]
He immediately began his contract by making his NHL debut against the Ottawa Senators on March 16.[5] In his second game he scored his first NHL goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 18.[6]
In his first full season with the Blackhawks in the 2018–19 season, Hayden played in a fourth-line role, contributing with 3 goals and 5 points in 54 games.
On June 22, 2019, at the 2019 NHL entry draft, Hayden was traded by the Blackhawks to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for John Quenneville.[7] In the 2019–20 season, Hayden played in 43 games for the New Jersey Devils, playing in a fourth-line forward role recording 3 goals and an assist. As an impending restricted free agent, Hayden was not tendered a qualifying offer from the Devils and was released to free agency on October 8, 2020.[8]
On the following day, Hayden was signed by the Arizona Coyotes after agreeing to a one-year, $750,000 contract.[9] In his lone season with the Coyotes in the pandemic shortened 2020–21 season, Hayden made 29 appearances, posting 2 goals and 5 points.
As an impending restricted free agent, Hayden was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Coyotes, releasing him as a free agent. On July 29, 2021, Hayden was signed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Buffalo Sabres.[10]
On July 14, 2022, Hayden was signed as a free agent to a one-year, two-way contract with the Seattle Kraken.[11]
While attending Yale, Hayden majored in political science[12] where he balanced his coursework while playing for the Blackhawks[15] and graduated in 2017.[16]
He also worked as an intern for the Pelican Breeze apparel company.[12]
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