Widow of Jimmy Hayes, Hockey Star Who Died in 2021, Reacts to Deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

Mar. 15, 2025

Kristen Hayes poses with the late Jimmy Hayes (left); Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau in 2014 (right).Photo:Kristen Hayes/Instagram; Richard T Gagnon/Getty

Kristen Hayes/Instagram; Richard T Gagnon/Getty

Kristen Hayes, the widow of late NHL starJimmy Hayes, is reacting to the deaths of Jimmy’s former teammateJohnny Gaudreauand his brother Matthew Gaudreau.

Jimmy and Johnny played at Boston College, where both late hockey stars made names for themselves before being drafted into the NHL.

Jimmy’s brother, Kevin Hayes, grew to become close friends with Johnny. Jerry York, who coached both Gaudreau brothers at Boston College, toldThe Athleticthat Johnny “spent nights” at the Hayes family home in Massachusetts after developing a “close relationship.”

Kevin also marked Johnny’s deathon his Instagram Stories, writing, “Love you John! Say hello to Beau’s Dad for me.”

Kristen Hayes posts about the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.Kristen Hayes/Instagram

Kristen Hayes/Instagram

Jimmy died in August 2021, just three months after he and Kristen welcomed their son Beau. A report later confirmed that Jimmy had cocaine and fentanyl in his system at the time of his death.

He played seven seasons in the NHL, with stints on the Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, and his hometown team the Boston Bruins, for whom he played from 2015 to 2017.

Johnny Gaudreau of the Blue Jackets.Jason Mowry/Getty

Jason Mowry/Getty

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The team continued, “Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew.”

source: people.com