Former New Jersey, Binghamton Devil Jimmy Hayes Tragically Passes Away
It's news like this that leaves you searching for answers.
At just 31 years of age, former NHL player Jimmy Hayes has tragically passed away. The cause is still unknown, as the hockey community struggles to make sense of the news.
A second round draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2008, Hayes made his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks during the 2011-12 season. He played in Chicago until the 2013-14 season, when he was moved to the Florida Panthers, where he had arguably the best stretch of his career. Hayes played for the Blackhawks, Panthers, Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils from 2011 through 2018, for a total of 334 games in the NHL.
His last game action came in 2018-19, as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Jimmy Hayes came from an incredible hockey background, as he and brother Kevin became one of the more recognizable brother duos of the past decade. The Hayes brothers were both cousins of retired NHL greats Keith Tkachuk and Tom Fitzgerald, as well as their sons, including Brady and Matthew Tkachuk.
Albany, NY native Anthony Angello shared a tweet that will absolutely break your heart:
As John Buccigross said, he leaves behind wife Kristen & two young boys, 2 and 3 months. Rest in Peace to Jimmy Hayes, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Hayes family during this terrible time.