Gaudreau dies at 31; played for Blue Jackets, Flames

Johnny Gaudreau of the Columbus Blue Jackets died Thursday. He was 31.

Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were struck by a suspected drunk driver who has been charged with counts of death by auto while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey.

“Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers-in-law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans," Johnny and Matthew's uncle, Jim Gaudreau, said in a statement. "We want to let everyone know we are receiving your messages of love and support and we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers. We ask for your continued respect and privacy during this very difficult period of grief.

"From all our families and the bottom of our hearts (the Gaudreau, Morris, Korbitz, Venello and Joyce Families)."

The Blue Jackets released the following statement:

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. 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.

“Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He thrilled fans in a way only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was profound, but pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him.

"Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and do everything that we can to support his family and each other through this tragedy.

“At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”

Gaudreau played for Columbus the past two seasons after signing as a unrestricted free agent on July 13, 2022. The forward played the first nine seasons of his NHL career with Calgary.

“It’s with great sadness, we mourn the tragic deaths of our friend Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau,” the Flames said in a statement. “Our hearts are broken by this devastating loss. Johnny was and always will be a member of the Flames family and loved by all of Calgary.

“It was our privilege to call Johnny our teammate for nine amazing years in Calgary. He came to Calgary as a young man and grew up here, not only as a superstar on the ice, but also a beloved member of our community.

“The pain we feel for Johnny’s wife Meredith, children Noa and Johnny, parents Jane and Guy, sisters Kristen and Katie, and the entire Gaudreau family is immense.

“Ownership, management, players, and staff of the Calgary Flames express our heartfelt sympathies during their time of sorrow.

“You are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Gaudreau was selected by the Flames in the fourth round (No. 104) of the 2011 NHL Draft while playing for Dubuque of the United States Hockey League. He went on to Boston College, where he played three seasons, winning the Hobey Baker Award, given to the best player in Division 1 NCAA hockey, in 2014 after he led BC with 80 points (36 goals, 44 assists) in 40 games. He was also a member of the NCAA East First All-American Team in 2013 and 2014.

In 2014-15, his first full season with Calgary, Gaudreau made the first of seven NHL All-Star Game appearances and was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. Gaudreau also won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded to the League's most most gentlemanly player, after the 2016-17 season.

Gaudreau had 743 points (243 goals, 500 assists) in 763 NHL regular-season games with the Flames and Blue Jackets, and 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 42 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

A three-time 30-goal scorer in the NHL, his best season was in 2021-22, when he led Calgary and was tied for second in the League with 115 points (40 goals, 75 assists) in 82 games.

Gaudreau ranks fifth in Flames history with 609 points (210 goals, 399 assists) in 602 games.

“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. “While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.

"Gaudreau often told the story of how his father taught him to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey and he carried that same youthful passion throughout his 11 NHL seasons. A skilled playmaker, Gaudreau participated in the NHL All-Star Game seven times where he was always a fan favorite, particularly while showcasing his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well suited.

“He will be remembered fondly in Calgary, where he played his first nine seasons with the Flames from 2013-14 to 2021-22, emerging as one of our League’s brightest young stars while compiling the franchise’s fifth-highest career points total. His loss also will be felt profoundly in Columbus, the city in which he chose to settle his family and where he was one of the respected, veteran leaders of a club building toward the playoffs. And both Johnny and Matthew will be mourned at Boston College, where they were teammates the year Johnny won the Hobey Baker Award in 2013-14, and at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, where both played and where Matthew was the head hockey coach following his own five-year pro playing career.

“We send our most heart-felt condolences to his wife Meredith; their children, Noa and Johnny; his parents, Guy and Jane; and sisters Kristen and Katie. And we grieve alongside his teammates, members of the Blue Jackets and Flames organizations, his many friends in hockey and countless fans around the world for whom he created indelible memories on and off the ice.”

Matthew Gaudreau, who died at 29, was also an accomplished hockey player. He played four seasons at Boston College, including one season with Johnny. He also played five professional seasons, with Worcester and Reading of the ECHL and Bridgeport and Stockton of the American Hockey League, before retiring after the 2021-22 season.

In 2022-23, he was named coach at Gloucester Catholic High School (Gloucester City, New Jersey), where he and his brother played and led the school to its first state championship in 2010.

“The NHLPA joins the hockey community in mourning the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew," NHL Players' Association executive director Marty Walsh said in a statement. "Johnny was a beloved teammate and friend in both Calgary and Columbus, and he was a joy to watch during his 10 years and 763 games in the NHL. He enjoyed a decorated college career at Boston College where he played together with his brother, Matthew, who also went on to play professional hockey in the AHL and ECHL. The players and staff of the NHLPA are devastated by these​ terrible losses. We express our sincerest condolences to the entire Gaudreau family ​-- Johnny's wife, Meredith, and their children, Noa and Johnny; Matthew's wife, Madeline; their parents, Guy and Jane; and their sisters, Kristen and Katie.”