Former NHL forward Jimmy Hayes has died at the age of 31, according to his alma mater Boston College, and The Boston Globe, which cites a Milton, Massachusetts, law enforcement official.
No cause of death has been made available.
Hayes suited up for the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, and New Jersey Devils over seven seasons. He had 109 points in 334 games played.
A second-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2008, Hayes was traded to the Blackhawks in 2010 and made his NHL debut Dec. 30, 2011. He scored his first goal in his second career game.
Hayes played his final NHL game with the Devils on April 7, 2018. He signed a one-year, two-way deal with the Penguins afterward and ended his professional career with Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, in the 2018-19 season.
We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jimmy Hayes.
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) August 23, 2021
His warm personality made an immediate impact in the locker room and with our fans. We’re proud of the memories he made in Chicago, including making his NHL debut in 2011. Sending our thoughts and prayers to his family❤️ pic.twitter.com/gP8357luB9
The Dorchester, Massachusetts, native spent three years at Boston College and won an NCAA hockey championship with the team in 2010.
Hayes was the older brother of Philadelphia Flyers forward Kevin Hayes. He leaves behind his wife, Kristen, and two young sons.
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