BC's Jimmy Hayes Turns Pro, Signs With Chicago Blackhawks

Another day, another departure. 

BC right winger Jimmy Hayes has decided to forgo his final season on the Heights and has signed with the Chicago Blackhawks. Hayes will report to the Blackhawks AHL affiliate Rockford (Ill.) IceHogs.

Hayes finished the season as the Eagles' second leading scorer (21 goals) and third on the points list behind only Atkinson and Gibbons. He finishes his Boston College career with 81 points -- 42 goals and 39 assists -- in 117 games. This year was by far Hayes' most productive year as the Eagles' leading scorer on the second line that also featured Kreider and Pat Mullane. 

Hayes was a second round draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs (60th overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, but his rights were acquired by Chicago in exchange for the 43rd overall selection in the 2010 Draft. Jimmy, along with his brother, freshman Kevin Hayes, are both property of the Blackhawks.

The departure of Hayes leaves York and the Eagles without their top three scorers from this season -- Atkinson (52 points), Gibbons (51) and Jimmy Hayes (33). Along with Joe Whitney, BC loses four of its top five scorers. Yikes.

Let's hope this is the end of the early departures and BC holds onto guys like Kreider (New York Rangers) and Tommy Cross (Boston) for another season.

Best of luck to Hayes as he continues his career in Chicago.