Hayes passed away at the age of 31, Sportsnet reported Monday.

EDGE Analysis

The older brother of Kevin Hayes, Jimmy appeared in 334 NHL contests between 2011-18. The Blackhawks, which is the first team Hayes played for in the NHL, issued the following statement: "We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Jimmy Hayes. His warm personality made an immediate impact in the locker room and with our fans. We're proud of the memories he made in Chicago, including making his NHL debut in 2011. Sending our thoughts and prayers to his family."

Hayes signed a one-year, two-way contract with Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Hayes scored just five goals and 14 points in the last two seasons but posted 32 goals and 64 points in two years just prior to that. The 28-year-old Massachusetts native will have to fight for an NHL roster spot with Pittsburgh's deep forward group. Should he secure one, he could see a bottom-six role with slightly more fantasy upside than he's had in the last couple years.

Hayes skated in 33 games in the 2017-18 season, scoring three goals and collecting six assists while averaging 11:53 of ice time.

EDGE Analysis

Unfortunately for Hayes, 23 of his 33 games came before Dec. 16, and he didn't appear in any of New Jersey's last 20 games save for the season finale against Washington, when playoffs were already clinched. Nonetheless, he was able to lay the body when he was on the ice notching 50 hits, and wasn't much of a defensive liability as he went just minus-two on the year. The 28-year-old was able to log two assists in three games during a brief AHL stint as well, but with his unrestricted free agent status and minimal playing time down the stretch, it seems likely he'll find another home for 2018-19.

Hayes, who has completed his conditioning assignment, received a call-up from AHL Albany on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

This news won't shake up the fantasy world, as Hayes only has nine points through 26 games this season, despite starting out in a power-play role. However, he could be depended on more heavily with Marcus Johansson (head) and Brian Gibbons (thumb) currently on injured reserve.

Hayes was reassigned to AHL Binghamton for conditioning on Friday,

EDGE Analysis

Hayes has averaged under 13 minutes per game this season, plus he's only appeared in three of the last 15 contests. There's hardly any incentive to be rostering him in the fantasy arena, but there's a real chance that he comes back stronger once the conditioning stint is in the books.

Hayes was a healthy scratch during a 5-4 shootout loss to the Islanders on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

This marked the ninth straight game that Hayes has found himself in the press box, and he hasn't played since Dec. 15. When Hayes has been in the lineup he's been productive scoring nine points (three goals, six assists) in 23 games, already besting his five point effort he put up in Boston last season. However unless injuries arise in the Garden State it seems unlikely Hayes will find a consistent role with the Devils' deep forward group, especially with veteran Drew Stafford being a healthy scratch as well recently.

Hayes, a frequent bench warmer, will play Saturday against the Coyotes, Devils' beat writer Amanda Stein reports.

EDGE Analysis

The former Bruin will give Pavel Zacha a breather, but Hayes is a mere depth option for the (15-6-4) Devils.

Hayes had a goal and assist in Friday's 5-4 shootout win over Ottawa.

EDGE Analysis

Hayes stepped up with his first multi-point game of the year, which is an encouraging sign. However, he's got just three points this season, so he'll have to show much more consistency before he can be trusted for offense.

Hayes will join the top-six and skate on a line with Nico Hischier and Marcus Johansson, The Bergen Record reports.

EDGE Analysis

It seems coach John Hynes is experimenting with his lines with Kyle Palmeri's lower body injury, and Hayes will be handed a huge opportunity playing with Hischier and Johansson. Hischier was able to drive play and record six shots in his debut, and Hayes will certainly receive more offensive zone time than his previous role on the third line. If the 27-year-old can build chemistry with Hischier and stick on his line, Hayes certainly has a chance to hit the 30-point plateau for the second time in his career.

Hayes has earned himself a one-year, one-way contract worth $700,000, Bob McKenzie of TSN reports.

EDGE Analysis

After a disastrous season with Boston in 2016-17 when he scored just two goals and five points over 58 games, the only offer that Hayes had this offseason was a PTO with New Jersey. Hayes has ability, which he showed during a stellar college career with Boston College and when he scored 19 goals in 2014-15, but he gets complacent with his play far too easily. New Jersey will be hoping that Hayes continues to play with a fire under him even after earning his new deal.