Daily Roundup: Former NHL Player Dies at 31

Massachusetts native Jimmy Hayes, who played for four NHL teams over his seven-season career, has died at age 31. No details were provided about the cause of death.

He played for the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins and New Jersey Devils. His best season came for the Panthers in 2014-15 when he scored 19 goals.

His warm personality made an immediate impact in the locker room and with our fans,” the Blackhawks said in a statement. “We’re proud of the memories he made in Chicago.”

Paramedics were called to the Hayes home in the Boston suburbs, where he was pronounced dead. He is the brother of Philadelphia Flyers forward Kevin Hayes.

The 6-foot-5 winger was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs, but never played for them. He helped Boston College win a national championship.

Jimmy Hayes’ hat trick vs OTT in December of 2015. What a game this was.

Max Talbot’s reaction to Jimmy’s 2nd and 3rd goals perfectly summarizes just how much Jimmy meant to his teammates. So sad.

Rest In Peace, Jimmy. pic.twitter.com/EspOH95rYb

— Bradley (@BradIey98) August 23, 2021

Around the NHL

New York:  Rod Gilbert, known as Mr. Ranger, died over the weekend at age 80. In addition to being an exceptional player, he was an exceptional for the Rangers and the NHL.

NHL: New York Post reporter Larry Brooks reported: IIHF has agreed to purchase insurance—including COVID coverage—for NHL players participating in Olympic qualifiers, per PA.” The NHL will make its final decision by the end of this month on whether its players will participate in the Winter Games.

Philadelphia: Defenseman Travis Sanhim signed a bridge deal on Saturday for two-years at an average salary hit of $4.675-million. He’s the Flyers fourth highest paid defenseman. The deal takes him to UFA status in 2023.