Former NHL player Jimmy Hayes died unexpectedly at his home in Boston on Monday. He was 31 years old.
The Boston Globe, citing local law enforcement, reported that the death was not considered suspicious.
Hayes played 334 NHL games over his eight-year professional career with the Blackhawks, Bruins, Panthers, and Devils. He last played during the 2018-19 season on a contract with the Penguins, attending training camp and playing in the preseason then playing the full regular season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
DKPS
Garrett Wilson, Brian Dumoulin, Jimmy Hayes
Hayes leaves behind a wife Kristen and their two sons -- Beau, who celebrated his second birthday over the weekend, and Mac, who was born in May.
Former Boston College teammates Tommy Cross, Jimmy Hayes, Brian Dumoulin on Sunday.
Hayes was the older brother of Flyers forward Kevin Hayes, and a cousin of Tom Fitzgerald and the Tkachuks.
Tributes to Hayes poured in on social media from his former teams and those who knew him:
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
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
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
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former @WBSPenguins forward, Jimmy Hayes.
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) August 23, 2021
The Penguins organization sends our thoughts and prayers to Jimmy's family, friends, and former teammates during this extremely difficult time. pic.twitter.com/A6SnLi9oeN
Anyone from the Boston area knows just how much the Hayes family means to the hockey scene around here, and Jimmy was pretty much unanimously beloved by everyone. May as well have been a god in Dorchester. Can't really put into words how devastating this is for the community
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) August 23, 2021
Such unbelievably tragic news. I’m at a complete loss for words.
— Nick Hart (@_NickHart) August 23, 2021
Jimmy was such a delight during his one season with WBS. Always so fun talking with him.
Thoughts go out to Kristen and the rest of the Hayes family. https://t.co/BbDVxIwAmf
Rest In Peace Jimmy. You were the big brother I never had during my rookie season. You will be dearly missed ❤️ https://t.co/XB48jeD6o6
— Anthony Angello (@Anthony_Angello) August 23, 2021
Jimmy was one of the best people I’ve ever met and had the privilege to play with. Really took me under his wing my rookie year. Thoughts and prayers for his family.
— Sam Lafferty (@SamLafferty18) August 23, 2021
Truly just a loss for words today. The bright light in every room, jimmy was one of the best guys I have came across in my career. You will truly be missed. Still can’t believe it. Thinking about Kristen, Beau and Mac. Please keep them in your thoughts today
— Stefan Noesen (@stefannoesen) August 23, 2021
RIP Jimmy Hayes 😢💔
