Jimmy Hayes, former NHL player, dead at 31

Jimmy Hayes, a former NHL player who put in one particular time with the Devils, died unexpectedly Monday early morning at the age of 31.

The lead to of demise was not instantly identified but is not viewed as suspicious, according to the Boston Globe, which cited nearby authorities and 1st responders.

Hayes was pronounced useless at his property in Milton, Mass., a suburb of Boston, the outlet noted.

According to Instagram posts from his wife Kristen on Sunday, Hayes and his household celebrated the birthday of their two-calendar year-aged son Beau in excess of the weekend.

Hayes experienced 54 targets and 109 factors in 334 video games in excess of 7 NHL seasons, the very last of which came with New Jersey in 2017-eighteen.

“His infectious persona and easygoing mother nature were being contagious to all who put in time with him,” the Devils stated in a assertion. “He experienced a large capability to make everybody feel welcome. You will be missed, Jimmy.”

Kristen Hayes posted a picture of Jimmy with their two sons in excess of the weekend.
@elevating_hayes/Instagram

Soon after currently being chosen in the second spherical of the 2008 draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Hayes starred for his hometown Boston Faculty and gained a nationwide championship in 2010.

“Boston Faculty Hockey is heartbroken in excess of the passing of Jimmy Hayes,” the school stated in a assertion. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the full Hayes household.”

Following a trade from Toronto, the 6-foot-5, 215-pound suitable winger built his debut with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2011 and also performed for the Bruins and Panthers.

Hayes very last performed skillfully in the 2018-19 time with the insignificant league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Jimmy Hayes with the Devils in 2018.
Jimmy Hayes with the Devils in 2018.
Getty Pictures

Due to the fact August 2020, Hayes experienced hosted a hockey podcast referred to as “Missin Curfew” with other former NHLers Shane O’Brien and Scottie Upshall.

“We missing our brother these days,” read through a tweet from the podcast’s account. “Goodbye Jimmy, we will really like you forever.”

Jimmy Hayes' official headshot with the Bruins.
Jimmy Hayes’ formal headshot with the Penguins, with whom he put in time with in the insignificant leagues.
Getty Pictures

In addition to Kristen and their two-calendar year-aged, Hayes is survived by the couple’s a few-thirty day period-aged boy Mac Hayes’ dad and mom Shelagh and Kevin Sr. and siblings Genevieve, Eileen, Justine and Kevin, also an NHL player.

Kevin Hayes at the moment plays for the Flyers. The 29-calendar year-aged likewise starred at Boston Faculty, just before shelling out 5 seasons with the Rangers.