Former NHL Player Jimmy Hayes Passes Away At Age 31 - Sportsnet

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MILTON, Mass. — Jimmy Hayes, who won a national hockey championship at Boston College and played seven seasons in the NHL, has died. He was 31.

Boston College Hockey is heartbroken over the passing of Jimmy Hayes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hayes family. pic.twitter.com/2nL59U6Fgs

— BC Men's Hockey (@BC_MHockey) August 23, 2021

The Boston Bruins are heartbroken by the passing of Dorchester native and former Bruin Jimmy Hayes. Our thoughts are with his wife Kristen, his sons Beau and Mac, and the entire Hayes family during this very difficult time. pic.twitter.com/j9W7CyxSGs

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) August 23, 2021

A law enforcement official said medics on Monday were called to the Hayes home in the Boston suburbs, where he was pronounced dead. No other details were disclosed.

Hayes, a 6-foot-5 right wing, was drafted in the second round (60th overall) in 2008 by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Two years later, he helped Boston College to its second straight national title, totalling 13 goals and 22 assists in 42 games as a sophomore. He made his NHL debut in December 2011 after a trade to the Chicago Blackhawks.

“His warm personality made an immediate impact in the locker room and with our fans,” the Blackhawks said in a statement. “We’re proud of the memories he made in Chicago.”

We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jimmy Hayes.

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

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) August 23, 2021

Boston College said on Twitter it is “heartbroken” over the death.

Younger brother Kevin Hayes is a center for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Jimmy Hayes played 334 games in the NHL and had 54 goals and 55 assists. He also played for the Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils.

He last played professionally in 2019 and had been a cohost of a podcast called “Missin Curfew.”

Hayes was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts. In addition to his wife and children, Hayes is survived by four siblings and his parents, Shelagh and Kevin Hayes Sr.

“Known for his character and kindness around the league, Jimmy will be dearly missed by all,” the Maple Leafs said in a statement.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Maple Leafs draft pick, Jimmy Hayes.

Known for his character and kindness around the league, Jimmy will be dearly missed by all.

Our thoughts are with the entire Hayes family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/T9lPlBBy0E

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) August 23, 2021

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