Jimmy Hayes, who started his NHL career with the Blackhawks from 2011 to 2013, died unexpectedly Monday.
He was 31.
Police officers found Hayes dead Monday morning at his home in the Boston suburb of Milton, Massachusetts, according to the Boston Globe. A cause of death has not been disclosed but foul play is not suspected.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jimmy Hayes,” the Hawks said in a statement on social media. “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.”
The Hawks acquired Hayes’ rights from the Maple Leafs in 2010, one year after drafting his younger brother Kevin. Hayes called the trade a “complete surprise” at the time — “I couldn’t have been happier,” he said.
The brotherly union in Chicago never actually materialized, as Kevin never signed with the Hawks. But Jimmy did in 2011 after a successful stint at Boston College, where won an NCAA championship.
He went on to play 43 NHL games for the Hawks, tallying six goals and seven assists. He also played 120 AHL games for the IceHogs, recording 76 points there. He played briefly in the Hawks’ 2012 playoff series against the Coyotes but sat out among the Black Aces during the 2013 Stanley Cup run.
After moving to Florida in the Kris Versteeg trade of November 2013, Hayes’ career took off. He became a valuable secondary scorer on both the 2014-15 Panthers and 2015-16 Bruins and ultimately scored 109 points over 334 career NHL games.
He last played in 2018-19 for the Penguins’ AHL affiliate. He co-hosted a podcast with fellow former NHL players Shane O’Brien and Scottie Upshall until earlier this month.
He leaves behind his wife, two young sons and four siblings including Kevin, who now plays for the Flyers.
