Jimmy Hayes has always been a Boston Bruins fan.
The Dorchester native cheered for the Black and Gold as a kid and took his talents to Boston College, where he played for legendary coach Jerry York for three seasons from 2008-09 through 2010-11.
He was traded to the Bruins on Wednesday in a deal that sent Reilly Smith and Marc Savard to the Florida Panthers, and the 25-year-old right winger is thrilled to be back home.
“It’s a dream come true for me,” Hayes said Wednesday. “I grew up a Boston Bruins fan, and having the chance to play for the Boston Bruins is a dream come true. It really hasn’t sunk in yet, but it’s probably one of the most exciting moments I’ve had in a while.”
Hayes was selected in the second round (60th overall) by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2008 NHL Draft. He never played for the Leafs and has accumulated 168 games of pro experience between the Chicago Blackhawks and Panthers.
Now he has the chance of a lifetime to play a key role on his boyhood team.
“It’s funny, I think this is my third or fourth time traded, so it’s kind of crazy,” Hayes said. “One time I was traded, I wasn’t even signed yet, but to come home to Boston is crazy.
“It’s a moment that I always envisioned happening. I just didn’t know when, and didn’t know it would happen this soon, so happening now, when I’m 25, is just a huge opportunity for me.”
Hayes still needs to sign with the Bruins to live his dream. He’s a restricted free agent after his one-year, $925,000 deal expired Wednesday. Once he signs, he’s likely to fill a second or third line role for the Bruins next season.
Thumbnail photo via Robert Mayer/USA TODAY Sports Images
