Jimmy Hayes dies at 31, played seven NHL seasons

Jimmy Hayes
, who played seven NHL seasons with four teams, has died. He was 31 years old.

Hayes was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round (No. 60) of the 2008 NHL Draft and was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks on June 25, 2010.
Earlier that season, Hayes helped Boston College win its second straight NCAA Division I championship, scoring 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) in 42 games as a sophomore, including getting an assist in a 5-0 win against Wisconsin in the title game. Among his teammates were New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider, Philadelphia Flyers forward Cam Atkinson and Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brian Dumoulin.
Hayes' younger brother, Kevin Hayes, is a center for the Flyers. They were teammates at Boston College for the 2010-11 season.
"Yesterday I lost my best friend, my brother," Kevin wrote on Instagram on Tuesday. "My whole life it has always been Jimmy and Kevin or the Hayes brothers. I have followed you around since I can remember and I wouldn't want it any other way. Whether it was youth hockey, Nobles (Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, Massachusetts), Boston College or the NHL, you paved the way for me. You taught me everything I needed to know in order to succeed. You lit up every single room you walked into with your smile and positive attitude. Everyone wanted to be around Jim, the big, goofy, horrible dancer, funny, genuine and kindest person around. I will never forget the times we shared or the memories we made and know that I will try my hardest to have your legacy live on. Our world lost someone special and I don't know if I will ever be the same but till we meet again, I LOVE YOU JIM!"
Hayes was the cousin of Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk and Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk; their father, former NHL forward Keith Tkachuk; and New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald.
"So devastated. Jimmy was not only a role model to me but also to so many young hockey players in Boston. All my love to Kristen, Beau, Mac, and the entire Hayes family," Brady Tkachuk said on Twitter.

Hayes turned professional following his junior season at Boston College and scored 109 points (54 goals, 55 assists) in 334 regular-season games with the Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins and Devils. He did not have a point in two Stanley Cup Playoff games, which came as a rookie with Chicago in 2011-12.
"We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jimmy Hayes," the Blackhawks said in a statement. "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."
Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron said, "I'm devastated to learn of the passing of my friend Jimmy Hayes. It was a pleasure getting to know Jimmy, and he was such a joy to be around both on and off the ice. I'll always remember his big smile -- he was so positive and full of life. I'm going to really miss that. We've lost a great person.
"My family and I send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Kristen, their two young boys, his brother Kevin, and the rest of his family during this difficult time."
Hayes last played in the NHL with New Jersey during the 2017-18 season, when he scored nine points (three goals, six assists) in 33 games.
"We are thinking of the Hayes family and friends during this difficult time," the Devils said in a statement. "His infectious personality and easygoing nature were contagious to all who spent time with him. He had a tremendous ability to make everyone feel welcome.
"You will be missed, Jimmy."
The Panthers said in a statement, "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Jimmy Hayes. Jimmy was a beloved teammate who lit up the locker room with his laughter. Our thoughts are with his wife Kristen, his sons Beau and Mac, his brother, Kevin, and the Hayes, Tkachuk, & Fitzgerald families. RIP, Jimmy."
His last professional season was with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the Penguins' American Hockey League affiliate, in 2018-19.
"The NHL family mourns the passing of Jimmy Hayes, who appeared in over 300 games with the Blackhawks, Panthers, Devils and his hometown Bruins," the League said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."