It was announced on Monday that former NHL player Jimmy Hayes passed away at the age of 31. Hayes, a Boston native, spent two seasons with his hometown Bruins during his playing career.

Hayes last played in the NHL in the 2017-18 season with the New Jersey Devils. His best season came back in 2014 with the Florida Panthers when he scored 19 goals and had 16 assists in 72 games played. The following season he was with the Bruins, and scored 13 times while chiming in with 16 assists for Boston.

The 60th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft, Hayes was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs but they traded him to the Chicago Blackhawks before he ever suited up in Toronto.

Hayes bounced around the league a bit but his time was most noted during his two year stretch with the Bruins, playing back home in Boston.

Reaction has poured in on social media following the news of Hayes' passing.

Article Continues Below
More Boston Bruins News
Boston Bruins left wing Marco Sturm (16) drives to the net against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. The Bruins beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 in overtime
Bruins hire former player Marco Sturm as 30th head coachQuinn Allen ·
A view of the Bruins logo on the jersey of Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman (1) during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Boston Bruins at the American Airlines Center. Bruins head coach rumors
Bruins rumors: Pierre LeBrun teases coaching hireOwen Crisafulli ·
Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand (63) skates during warm up before game five of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena.
Panthers’ Brad Marchand gets brutally honest on Bruins contract talksChristopher Hennessy ·
Boston Bruins center Morgan Geekie (39) looks to take a shot on goal during the first period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.
Why Bruins must not trade Morgan Geekie in 2025 offseasonSteve Silverman ·
Boston Bruins interim head coach Joe Sacco (rear) reacts on the bench against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at PPG Paints Arena.
New Bruins head coach candidate emerges amid Joe Sacco uncertaintySteve Silverman ·
Yanni Gourde in a florida panthers jersey with the florida panthers logo. Question marks around him. NHL Free Agency, Lightning, Free Agent, Yanni Gourde
3 best Yanni Gourde destinations in 2025 NHL free agencyBryan Logan ·

Although he hadn't played in the NHL since 2017, Hayes tried to keep the dream alive even after his days with the Bruins. He last played for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in 2018 and scored 15 goals and tallied 15 assists in 72 games played for the club.

A life gone way too soon, rest in peace to Jimmy Hayes and thoughts go out to his family, friends and loved ones.