Coach Alan Richardson described the 34-year-old as 50-50 to take on the Tigers as the Saints prepare for an opportunity to climb off the bottom of the ladder.
While Hayes contemplates his playing future, Richardson said the Saints would welcome the 34-year-old back to Seaford with open arms if he decided to play on in 2015.
"Lenny's just seeing how he's going to go with his body, he's got to make sure he wants to play," Richardson said on Monday.
"We're going to sit down when the time is right and have that discussion … he's well and truly earned the right to make that decision.
"He needs a little bit more information. He needs to keep playing.
"He's pulled up a little bit sore from the weekend so he's probably 50-50 as to whether he plays this week, (but) that's only short-term."
Hayes, who could reach the 300-game milestone if he plays on next season, last week said he would decide if he is going to continue into a 17th season in the next month.
Richardson said the experience of players like Hayes and captain Nick Riewoldt would be critical next season as the Saints develop a young list.
"The leadership, the challenging and the direction given by those guys is one of the most important factors in development," the coach said.
"'Rooey' (Riewoldt) spoke to the guys about the role that people like (Robert) Harvey had on him in 2002 when he was coming through.
"They didn't win a lot of games, but there was pretty strong leadership and direction shown and that's the legacy they want to leave.
"[Hayes] is mentoring and coaching our young group in a really positive way, so he's doing a super job."
The form of young forward Jack Billings was the biggest positive to emerge from Sunday's loss to West Coast, with the 18-year-old kicking three goals and racking up 25 possessions at 100 per cent efficiency.
Richardson said it was only a matter of time until the young star progressed into the midfield.
"Yesterday he certainly took his game to another level," Richardson said.
"Those sorts of numbers for a small forward in his first year are pretty special.
"Whilst he's been building, eventually he will go into the midfield – we need his class and his ball-winning ability in the midfield [and] we need his run.
"We've still got a lot of footy this year where he'll get opportunities to go into the midfield."
Richardson was at the MCG on Friday night to watch Richmond fade and eventually lose to the Sydney Swans after an impressive first half.
He said his team's improved defensive effort against the Eagles would need to be repeated against the Tigers, who are level with the last-placed Saints on three wins.
Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
