A former forward for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Jimmy Hayes died unexpectedly Monday in his home in Milton, Massachusetts,
Hayes was only 31.
The Boston Globe reports the cause of death is not currently known but it not considered suspicious.
Taken in the second round of the 2008 NHL draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs out of Boston College, Hayes played his last professional hockey with the WBS Penguins during the 2018-19 season.
Hayes also played for the Blackhawks, Bruins, Devils and Panthers.
Hayes’ wife Kristen posted on Instagram Sunday that they were celebrating their oldest son’s second birthday. They also have a three-month-old boy.
The Penguins released a statement on Hayes’ passing on Monday afternoon.