Former NHL forward Jimmy Hayes dies at age 31

NHL forward Jimmy Hayes, who played the last season of his nine-year pro career in the Penguins organization with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, died Monday at age 31.

According to the Boston Globe, first responders arrived at Hayes’ home and pronounced him dead. A cause of death was not announced, but law enforcement does not consider the death suspicious.

A power forward chosen by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round of the 2008 draft, Hayes won a national championship with Boston College in 2010. He played 334 career NHL games with Chicago, Florida, Boston and New Jersey.

Hayes spent the 2018-19 season, his last as a pro, with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, recording 15 goals and 15 assists in 72 games.

“Jimmy was one of the best people I’ve ever met and had the privilege to play with,” Penguins forward Sam Lafferty, a teammate of Hayes in Wilkes-Barre, wrote via his Twitter account. “Really took me under his wing my rookie year. Thoughts and prayers for his family.”

Hayes was married with a 2-year-old son and a 3-month-old son. His brother, Kevin, plays for the Philadelphia Flyers.

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former @WBSPenguins forward, Jimmy Hayes.

The Penguins organization sends our thoughts and prayers to Jimmy's family, friends, and former teammates during this extremely difficult time. pic.twitter.com/A6SnLi9oeN

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) August 23, 2021

Boston College Hockey is heartbroken over the passing of Jimmy Hayes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hayes family. pic.twitter.com/2nL59U6Fgs

— BC Hockey (@BCHockey) August 23, 2021

Rest In Peace Jimmy. You were the big brother I never had during my rookie season. You will be dearly missed ❤️ https://t.co/XB48jeD6o6

— Anthony Angello (@Anthony_Angello) August 23, 2021