Former Bruins Forward Jimmy Hayes Passes Away

Former Boston Bruins forward Jimmy Hayes has passed away at age 31.

On Monday morning, word started to spread on social media and in hockey chat rooms that the former Boston College star forward and Dorchester, MA native had died on Monday morning. Just after noon, ESPN NHL and college hockey analyst, John Buccigross, a friend of Jimmy and his brother, Philadelphia Flyers forward Kevin Hayes, confirmed the devastating news that Jimmy Hayes had indeed passed.

Former NHL player Jimmy Hayes has died. 31 years old. I just chatted with him last week at a golf course. He leaves behind wife Kristen & two young boys, 2 and 3 months. Also brother Kevin, three sisters and a Mom and Dad. Devastating news for family and Boston hockey community. pic.twitter.com/fgtwyYQ4IO

— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) August 23, 2021

CBS Boston reported that Jimmy Hayes was pronounced dead at his home Monday morning and his death was not considered suspicious. As of 1 PM ET, there was no official word on the cause of death. Boston Hockey Now reached out to Hayes’ agent Bob Murray but had not heard back yet.

Jimmy Hayes was part of the 2009-10 Boston College team that won the National Championship.

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

Jimmy Hayes was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round (60th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Hayes never signed with the Maple Leafs though, and following his junior season with the Eagles, he signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in March 2011. He would play seven games with the Blackhawks AHL affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, and then make his NHL debut in the 2011-12 season. Hayes was traded to the Florida Panthers during the 2013-14 NHL season. He would have the best season of his NHL career the following season when he scored 19 goals and had 16 assists in 72 games.

Jimmy Hayes signed a three-year, $6.9 million with the Bruins the following season. He had 13 goals and 16 assists in 75 games for his hometown team in 2015-16 but struggled in his second season for the Bruins with two goals and three assists in 58 games. Following the 2016-17 season, the Bruins bought out the remaining season on his contract and Hayes ended up signing with the New Jersey Devils. He struggled again with just three goals and six assists in 33 games for the Devils and played his last NHL game on April 7, 2018. Hayes spent the 2018-19 season playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Jimmy Hayes didn’t play the last two seasons and most recently was a co-host on the Missin Curfew Podcast with former NHLers Shane O’Brien and Scottie Upshall.

The Boston Hockey Now family sends its deepest condolences to the entire Hayes family and all of Jimmy’s friends.

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