Former NHL player Jimmy Hayes who recently became father to a baby boy dies at 31

Jimmy Hayes was a second-round draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2008. He played in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins and the New Jersey Devils. A right-winger, Hayes had 109 points in 334 games in seven seasons with the Blackhawks, Panthers, Bruins and Devils. Jimmy Hayes' younger brother, Kevin Hayes currently plays in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers. 

Jimmy Hayes was married to Kristen Valente. The couple met each other for the first time in their residential building in Seaport, Boston. After dating for several years, they got married in July 2018. According to Kristen, "We both knew of each other but officially met through mutual friends at Legal Harborside one night." Jimmy and Kristen welcomed their second baby in May 2021. 

'So sad to hear about Jimmy Hayes'

Fans reacted to the shocking news of Jimmy Hayes' sudden demise and posted tweets like, "Man what’s going on in this world..so sad to hear about Jimmy Hayes news ..only played a short time with you but one of the best guys I have met..condolences to family and friends" Another fan wrote, "Boston is forever a hockey town. You go from Dorchester to BC to the Bruins, you might as well be a goddamn superhero. RIP Jimmy Hayes" One tweet read, "Former NHL player Jimmy Hayes has died. 31 years old. I just chatted with him last week at a golf course. He leaves behind wife Kristen & two young boys, 2 and 3 months. Also brother Kevin, three sisters and a Mom and Dad. Devastating news for family and Boston hockey community."

Chicago Blackhawks also made a statement on Jimmy Hayes' demise that said, "We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jimmy Hayes. 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."