NHL World Pays Tribute to Johnny Gaudreau After He Dies at 31

Mike McDaniel | Aug 30, 2024

Feb 28, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) skates with the puck against the New York Rangers during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau has died at the age of 31, the organization announced on Friday.

Gaudreau was riding a bike with his 29-year-old brother, Matthew, when the brothers were reportedly struck by a car at around 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday night in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, according to Fox 29 in Philadelphia. The driver of the vehicle that struck the Gaudreau brothers was arrested and charged with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and death by auto.

The brothers were home in New Jersey for their sister's wedding, where they were both slated to be groomsmen at the ceremony on Friday.

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy,” the Blue Jackets organization said in a statement. “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 Matt.

“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.”

The news of Gaudreau's death has sent shockwaves through the world of hockey, with condolences pouring in across the board.

The entire New York Rangers organization is shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau. We send our deepest condolences to Johnny and Matthew’s family, friends, and loved ones. https://t.co/zWD2c6oBaH

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) August 30, 2024

The Toronto Maple Leafs join the entire hockey community in mourning the sudden and tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to the Gaudreau family, their friends, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Calgary Flames…

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) August 30, 2024

There are simply no words to describe the death of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew last night as they were biking in New Jersey, on the eve of their sister's wedding. He was first known as Johnny Hockey at Boston College when he was one of the greatest players in our…

— Mike Lupica (@MikeLupica) August 30, 2024

Thinking of Johnny Gaudreau’s wife, young kids, and his entire family today while they navigate this unimaginable tragedy of losing both Johnny and Matthew.

💔 pic.twitter.com/Pk0BK8WzgJ

— dani smith (@thedanismith) August 30, 2024

April 13th, 2014. Johnny Gaudreau scores his first NHL goal.

Gone way too soon. We love you Johnny Hockey.pic.twitter.com/9ItHKyzlB4

— Jay Money (@insiderJmoney) August 30, 2024