A second-round pick (60th overall) of the Maple Leafs in 2008, Hayes spent seven seasons in the NHL, racking up 54 goals and 55 assists in 334 games with the Blackhawks, Panthers, Bruins and Devils.
In 2014-15, Hayes scored a career-high 19 goals in 72 games with the Panthers.
"He was an infectious kid, a pleasure and a joy to be around," said Panthers Interim Head Coach Andrew Brunette, who played with Hayes in Chicago during the 2011-12 season. "It's hard to not being able to see him again. To be a part of tonight, you're at least able to say goodbye. It's a special one tonight."
During warmups, both the Bruins and Panthers wore customized jerseys with two of Hayes' nicknames -- "HAYESY" and "BROADWAY" -- on the back. All of Florida's jerseys also had Hayes' No. 12. With funds benefiting a charity to be determined by the Hayes family, both sets of jerseys will be auctioned off.
To bid on the Panthers jerseys, click
HERE
.
Following the moment of silence the preceded tonight's game, a tribute video of Hayes was shown on the jumbotron featuring highlights of his time both in Boston and South Florida. In the video, his big goals and even bigger personality shined through, especially in the clips showing is community work.
No matter where he was playing, Hayes always made numerous hospital visits around the holidays.
Once the video concluded, a couple chants of "Yeah Jimmy!" could be heard. As a native of Dorchester, Massachusetts and a former star at Boston College, Hayes was considered family by many in Boston. But in the wake of his passing, the outpouring of condolences showed that he made everyone feel that way.
Like Brunette said, tonight was a chance for that family -- both nuclear and honorary -- to say goodbye.
Rest easy, Broadway.
