Former NHL winger Jimmy Hayes has passed away at the age of 31. Jimmy is the older brother of current NHL player Kevin Hayes. The details surrounding his death are still not clear at this time.
Authorities were called to the Hayes’ Massachusetts home today where he was pronounced dead according to reports from the Boston Globe. Hayes, taken 60th overall in 2008 by the Toronto Maple Leafs, spent time with the Blackhawks, Panthers, Bruins and Devils organizations during his 334 game career.
Hayes last played professionally for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the AHL during the 2018-19 season. He recorded 54 goals and 55 assists (109pts) during his NHL career. He represented the US on several occasions including the 2006 U18 championships, 2009 World Juniors, and 2014 World Cup of Hockey. He also captured an NCAA Div 1 championship with Boston College at the 2009-10 Frozen Four.
Jimmy and Kevin are cousins of former NHL players Tom Fitzgerald and Keith Tkachuk (and by extension Matthew and Brady Tkachuk as well). Hayes is survived by his wife Kristen and two sons aged 2 and 3 months old.
This is a developing story.