Just in: it has been confirmed that one of the New Jersey Devils’ finest players is dead, which led to…

Just in: it has been confirmed that one of the New Jersey Devils’ finest players is dead, which led to…

At the age of 31, Jimmy Hayes, the exuberant former ice hockey player who played for seven seasons in the National Hockey League and won a national championship at Boston College, passed away unexpectedly on Monday morning.

Although foul play was not suspected, the cause of death was not immediately known, according to the Boston Globe, which quoted first responders and local authorities.

According to the outlet, Hayes was pronounced dead at his Milton, Massachusetts, home.

Hayes’ wife Kristen posted on Instagram on Sunday, stating that the family spent the weekend celebrating Beau’s second birthday.

At the celebration of his son Beau’s second birthday, Hayes (centre) is holding his two kids.
At the celebration of his son Beau’s second birthday, Hayes (centre) is holding his two kids.
Instagram, the source
Hayes and Kristen, his spouse.
Hayes and Kristen, his spouse.
Instagram, the source
Hayes along with his spouse and kid.
Hayes along with his spouse and kid.
Instagram, the source
Throughout his seven NHL seasons—the most recent one ending with New Jersey in 2017–18—the 6-foot-5, 215-pound right winger, who is well-known for both his massive build and his outsized personality, scored 54 goals and 109 points in 334 games.

Former Devil Blake Coleman tweeted, “Jammy ‘Broadway’ Hayes comes to mind when I think of a ‘locker room guy.”

“Very sad news. He will be greatly missed by a lot of people. During our time together in New Jersey, he always made the rink smile.”

Hayes’ “infectious personality and easygoing nature were contagious to all who spent time with him,” according to the Devils. He was incredibly good at making people feel at home. Jimmy, you will be missed.

Hayes played for his hometown Boston College and won a national championship in 2010 after being selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft. He finished with 35 points in 42 games.

After coming from Toronto, Hayes made