Former Blackhawks forward Jimmy Hayes dies at 31

Jimmy Hayes began his seven-year NHL career with the Blackhawks from 2011 to 2013. | Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Hayes played 43 games for the Blackhawks and 120 games for the Rockford IceHogs from 2011 to 2013.

Jimmy Hayes, who began his NHL career with the Blackhawks from 2011 to 2013, died Monday, per numerous reports.

He was 31.

Police officers found Hayes dead Monday morning at his home in Milton, Massachusetts, according to the Boston Globe, but a cause of death has not been made available.

“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 and signed him out of Boston College — where he won an NCAA championship — the following year. He went on to play 43 NHL games for the Hawks, tallying six goals and seven assists, in addition to 120 AHL games for the Rockford IceHogs.

After moving to Florida in the Kris Versteeg trade, 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 leaves behind his wife, two young sons and four siblings, including younger brother and current Flyers forward Kevin Hayes.

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