Johnny Gaudreau was an All-Star winger in the NHL who played for nearly a decade with the Calgary Flames and most recently with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
- Died: August 29, 2024 (Who else died on August 29?)
- Details of death: Died in Oldmans Township, New Jersey in a cycling accident at the age of 31.
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Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy
New Jersey native Johnny Gaudreau played Pee Wee ice hockey in his youth and was an All-Star player during his time with the United States Hockey League as a teen. His play earned him NHL attention, and in 2011, he was drafted by the Calgary Flames. In his time with the NCAA prior to being elevated to the pros, Gaudreau helped lead Boston College to a national championship, was named MVP of both the Hockey East Championship Tournament and Beanpot Tournament, and, in 2014, won the Hobey Baker Award – given to the NCAA’s top player.
Gaudreau made his NHL debut that year and quickly made a name for himself, earning a spot in the 2015 All-Star game, tying for the league lead in scoring by a rookie, and being named to the All-Rookie team. His early success was not a fluke. He went to the NHL All-Star Game five years in a row from 2015 to 2019 and seven times overall. He consistently led the Flames in scoring and often placed high in the league’s MVP voting.
In 2022, Gaudreau signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets as a free agent.
Gaudreau and his 29-year-old brother, Matthew — also a professional hockey player, playing in the ECHL — were struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while in New Jersey to attend their sister Katie’s wedding the following day. He leaves behind his wife, Meredith, and two children, Noa and Johnny.
Tributes to Johnny Gaudreau
Full obituary: The Columbus Dispatch
