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Former NHL winger Jimmy Hayes dies at age 31

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 8/23/21

Former NHL forward Jimmy Hayes died unexpectedly Monday morning at the age of 31, law enforcement officials confirmed to the Boston Globe.

Law enforcement and first responders went to Hayes's Massachusetts home, where he was pronounced dead. His death is not considered suspicious, but the cause of death is not immediately clear, the Globe added.

Hayes, a second-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, played seven seasons in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils.

The Boston native tallied 109 points (54 goals, 55 assists) in 334 career games. He last played professionally in 2019 and had since hosted a podcast with fellow former NHLers Shane O'Brien and Scottie Upshall.

Hayes played college hockey at Boston College, winning an NCAA Championship with the Eagles as a sophomore in 2010. BC shared a statement on Hayes's death via social media:

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 Hockey (@BCHockey) August 23, 2021

Hayes broke into the NHL with the Blackhawks before being traded to the Panthers in 2013. The Bruins later acquired Hayes from Florida for Reilly Smith and the contract of Marc Savard. Boston signed him to a three-year, $6.9 million deal in 2015 before buying out the remainder of his contract two years later.

Hayes finished his NHL career with the Devils in 2017-18 and joined the Pittsburgh Penguins' AHL affiliate for the 2018-19 season.

Instagram posts made by Hayes's wife, Kristen, showed the family at an arcade playing games, celebrating the couple's son Beau's second birthday. He appeared well.

Several of Hayes's former teammates sent their condolences to the family, including Blake Coleman, Austin Czarnik, John-Michael Liles and Keith Kinkaid.

When I think of a “locker room guy” I think of Jimmy “Broadway” Hayes. Very devastating news, he will be missed by so many, he always brought a smile to the rink in our time together in New Jersey. Our thoughts are with Kristen and their 2 young boys. Rest In Peace bud https://t.co/UOX7jIdL64
— Blake Coleman (@BColes25) August 23, 2021

One of the best teammates you could Ask for. Truly a great person and friend. Was a pleasure to get to know Jimmy and play with him. Prayers to the Hayes family https://t.co/vFxEWULYpT
— Austin Czarnik (@ACzarnik7) August 23, 2021

I don’t even know if there are the right words. This is far too young for such a wonderful person to leave this world, and I’m heartbroken. My heart goes out to Kristen and the boys. RIP Jimmy, you will be missed my friend. https://t.co/0jnOz0B7sv
— John-Michael Liles (@hoosierjm26) August 23, 2021