Former NHL forward Jimmy Hayes has died.
According to the Boston Globe, law enforcement and first responders were called to his home in Milton, Mass., on Monday morning. The cause of death is unknown at this time, but it is not considered suspicious. A native of Dorchester, Mass., Hayes was 31 years old.
"Former NHL player Jimmy Hayes has died. 31 years old. I just chatted with him last week at a golf course," ESPN's John Buccigross tweeted at 12:14 p.m. "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."
The news was confirmed by Boston College, where Hayes played for the Eagles from 2008 to 2011 and helped the team win a national championship in 2010.
"Boston College Hockey is heartbroken over the passing of Jimmy Hayes," the team tweeted. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hayes family."
Originally drafted by the Maple Leafs in 2008, Hayes played 334 NHL games for the Blackhawks, Panthers, Devils and his hometown Bruins. He recorded a total of 54 goals and 55 assists with a career-best 35-point season in 2014-15 for Florida. His last professional hockey game was in 2019 as a member of the Penguins' AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He recorded 30 points (15 assists, 15 goals) in 72 games in the 2018-19 season.
In 2007, he won a silver medal at the IIHF World Junior U18 Championship for the United States. He also represented USA Hockey at the 2009 World Juniors and the 2014 World Championship; the latter was alongside his brother Kevin, who currently plays for the Flyers. Hayes is also the cousin of NHL players Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, ex-NHLer Keith Tkachuk and Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald.
After retiring, he joined fellow ex-NHLers Shane O'Brien and Scottie Upshall on the podcast "Missing Curfew" in 2020.
His wife Kristen posted on her Instagram account Sunday pictures of the family celebrating their son Beau's second birthday over the weekend.
The hockey world took to Twitter on Monday to mourn the loss.
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
One of my favourite people from my time in NJ. Always a friendly smile, could make anyone laugh and all around, great human. He’ll be missed. Thinking of Kristen & his family ☹️ https://t.co/thcBYzjBsP
— Rachel Doerrie (@racheldoerrie) August 23, 2021
Back in my blog/pod days, Jimmy was the first pro athlete to talk to me.
— Charlie (@CharlieFreyre) August 23, 2021
He was an active NHLer talking to a college kid, just to be nice. Yet couldn’t have been more open, funny and gracious with his time. Just an awesome guy.
All the love in the world to his friends + family. https://t.co/RBiRKRvs7X
RIP Broadway 🙏🏼 https://t.co/TYk7CcqZHE
— Keith Kinkaid (@Blockaid1) August 23, 2021
Such devastating news. I’m truly heart broken and sick to my stomach thinking of Jimmy’s wife along with the rest of his family. What a genuine person he was. Rest In Peace my friend. Life makes zero sense. https://t.co/VHrA3d5yZ6
— Ryan Whitney (@ryanwhitney6) 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