Former Bruins Player Jimmy Hayes Found Dead In His Home In Milton

MILTON, MA — Jimmy Hayes, a professional hockey player who played two of his seven NHL seasons with the Bruins died unexpectedly Monday morning at the age of 31.

Hayes was a Dorchester native who won an NCAA hockey championship at Boston College and moved on to play the remainder of his career for the Chicago Blackhawks.

The former forward's unexpected death was first reported by the Boston College men's hockey program's Twitter page.

The Boston Globe reported police and first responders went to Hayes's Milton home where he was pronounced dead at the scene. They said his death is not considered suspicious, but the cause of death has not been made available.

BC shared a statement in a tweet saying, "Boston College is heartbroken over the passing of Jimmy Hayes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hayes family."

Hayes started his NHL career in Chicago, playing for the Blackhawks. His NHL debut was December 30, 2011, against the Detroit Red Wings.

The Bruins signed Hayes to a three-year, $6.9 million contract in July 2015. They bought out his contract two summers later.

The Globe reported Hayes finishing his career with the Devils (2017-18) and the Pittsburgh Penguins' AHL affiliate in Wilkes Barre/Scranton (2018-19) after his time with the Bruins.

Hayes leaves behind his wife and two sons.