MILTON (Mass. Jimmy Hayes, who played seven seasons in NHL and won a national hockey title at Boston College, has passed away. He was 31.
According to a law enforcement official, medics were dispatched Monday to Hayes' home in the Boston suburbs. He was then declared dead. Other details weren't disclosed.
The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Hayes in the second round in 2008 (60th overall). He is a 6-foot-5 right-winger. He helped Boston College win its second consecutive national title two years later. As a sophomore, he scored 13 goals and assisted 22 times in 42 games. After a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks, he made his NHL debut December 2011.
The Blackhawks released a statement saying that "His warm personality made a immediate impact in our locker room and with fans," We are proud of the Chicago memories he created.
Boston College expressed its sorrow on Twitter over Hayes' passing.
The Boston Bruins are deeply saddened by the loss of Jimmy Hayes, a Dorchester native and former Bruin. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Kristen Hayes, his sons Beau, Mac and his entire family. pic.twitter.com/j9W7CyxSGs Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) August 23, 2021
Jimmy's younger brother Kevin Hayes is a center for Philadelphia Flyers.
Jimmy Hayes was a 334-game NHL player and scored 54 goals and assisted 55 times. He played for the Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils.
He played his last professional game in 2019, and was a co-host on a podcast called "Missin Curfew."
Hayes was born in Boston, Dorchester. Hayes was survived by his wife, children, and four siblings. He also has his parents, Shelagh Hayes Sr.
