Hayward played for the Winnipeg Jets, Montreal Canadiens, Minnesota North Stars and San Jose Sharks in the National Hockey League from 1982 to 1993. Brian won three William M. Jennings Trophies with Patrick Roy in the late 1980s with Montreal. Hayward was in net for the San Jose Sharks when they won their first NHL regular season game against the Calgary Flames in 1991. He played US collegiate hockey at Cornell University from 1978–1981. Brian currently resides in California with his wife and daughter. He is the television analyst for the Anaheim Ducks and does other hockey work on television.