Former Florida Panthers forward Jimmy Hayes, who played seven seasons in the NHL, has passed away at the age of 31. The cause of death is currently unknown.
Hayes spent almost two seasons (125 games) with the Cats after he was acquired on November 14, 2013, along with Dylan Olsen, in exchange for Kris Versteeg and Philippe Lefebvre. Hayes produced 11 goals and 18 points in 53 games following the trade.
After signing on for another seasons in Sunrise, he notched a career-high 19 goals and 35 points in 72 games.
On July 1, 2015 the Panthers traded Hayes, who was an restricted free agent, to the Boston Bruins in exchange for Reilly Smith and the contract of injured Marc Savard.
The 60th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft played in 334 NHL games in his career, registering 54 and 109 points with the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida, Boston and New Jersey Devils.
LBC sends out condolences to Hayes’ family and friends.