Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron also released a statement via the team's Twitter account.
"I'm devastated to learn of the passing of my friend Jimmy Hayes. It was a pleasure getting to know Jimmy, and he was such a joy to be around on and off the ice. I'll always remember his big smile - he was so positive and full of life. I'm going to really miss that. We've lost a great person."
Bergeron went on to add, "My family and I send our heartfelt condolences to his wife Kristen, their two young boys, his brother Kevin, and the rest of his family during this difficult time."
Hayes spent parts of seven seasons in the National Hockey League with the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, and New Jersey Devils where he amassed 109 points in 334 regular season games.
Our thoughts are with the Hayes family at this time.
The Boston Bruins are heartbroken by the passing of Dorchester native and former Bruin Jimmy Hayes. Our thoughts are with his wife Kristen, his sons Beau and Mac, and the entire Hayes family during this very difficult time. pic.twitter.com/j9W7CyxSGs� Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) August 23, 2021