The hockey world woke to tragic news on Friday morning, with New Jersey state police confirming that Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau (32) and his brother Matthew (29) were killed on Thursday night. The brothers were riding bikes in Salem County, New Jersey when they were hit by a car attempting to pass another motorist, the driver is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and was charged by police.
New Jersey natives, the Gaudreau brothers were in town to celebrate their sister’s wedding, which was scheduled to take place on Saturday.
A fourth round pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, Gaudreau was a standout player for the Calgary Flames from 2013-to-2022, when he posted the best season of his career amassing 115 points and leading the Flames to their deepest playoff run in seven years. He then signed with the Blue Jackets in free agency, where the left wing was a stalwart veteran standout who served both as a dynamic distributor and playmaker, while also being a critical locker room leader.
On Friday morning the Blue Jackets released a statement, changing their profile picture on Twitter to Gaudreau’s No. 13.
In addition to the Blue Jackets’ statement, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman posted words of his own, which read in part:
“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. 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.”
No announcement has been made yet about how the Blue Jackets or the NHL plan to honor Gaudreau during the 2024-25 season.
Our thoughts are with the Gaudreau family during this unimaginably difficult time. Rest in peace Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
