NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and Brother Tragically Killed in New Jersey Accident

It was a rumor that circulated on social media all night, and it wasn’t confirmed until this morning. Unfortunately, the NHL star of the Columbus Blue Jackets Johnny Gaudreau died in a car accident last night. The accident reports were released at 8:30 pm, but the victims weren’t immediately identified. The rumor started to circulate by late afternoon that it was Gaudreau, but no official statement came until this morning.

Gaudreau, along with his brother Matthew (a former hockey player aged 29), were hit by a vehicle while on their bikes in Oldmans Township. The location of the accident was a little unnerving for hockey fans, as it happened not far from their parents’ home in Salem County where they were raised. The driver allegedly remained at the scene and was charged with driving under the influence.

Gaudreau, a smaller offensive hockey player with a sharp hand and a highly respected hockey sense, was a star in the NHL. Gaudreau was a regular in the mid-season All-Star Game as he prepared for his 12th season. Gaudreau, despite being born John, was dubbed “Johnny Hockey”. Unlike the braggadocio way that Johnny Manziel promoted “Johnny Football”, Gaudreau earned his moniker by playing well and having a calm demeanor. This brilliance was evident from a young age.

Gaudreau was a familiar face to me during my college years when he represented the main rival of Boston University. At 17, he was playing in the USHL and earning many awards that year. The Calgary Flames then drafted him in the fourth round. He was only 5’9″, weighing around 150 pounds, and a smaller forward. Gaudreau was an immediate star for the Boston College Eagles, where he skated in college. In his first season, he scored 44 points in the same number of games. He also scored a goal at the NCAA Final where the Eagles won the National Championship.

In his second year, he blossomed even more. It was assumed that he would turn professional after John chose to stay in school and skate with his brother Matthew, who made the team. Gaudreau was a star in his junior year. He had a 31-game point streak, scored 39 goals, and averaged 2 points per game. He won the Hobey Baker Award for being the top player in the country. Even though you may have wanted to resent his playing for a rival, you couldn’t help but admire the skills that he demonstrated.

Gaudreau played technically nine seasons in Calgary. He made his NHL debut immediately following the end of the NCAA season in 2013-14. On his first professional shot, he delivered on that promise. He was an All-Star six times during his eight seasons in Calgary and played with one of the most explosive line combinations in the league. All three players, Matthew Tkachuk, Elias Linstrom, and themselves, reached the 40-goal mark for the year, which is a rare feat in an offensive line.

The unrestricted agent signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022, surprising everyone. He became an all-star once again. He has earned nearly a point in every game of his professional career, while also demonstrating a high level of skill. Matthew finished his minor league career with a five-year stint as a coach at the high school he attended.

John is married to Meredith Gaudreau, and they have two sons together, Noa, and Johnny. As the Flames’ management showed, he was respected everywhere he played. The player that you could watch from the bench of the opponent never showed resentment. His trademark was class and skill.

Stick taps will be sent all weekend and our deepest condolences to the family of Johnny and Matthew.