HIGHLIGHTS
- Johnny Gaudreau has died at age 31 in his hometown of New Jersey
- Johnny and his brother Matthew Gaudreau were killed in a bike accident
- Read below for more details of Johnny Hockey’s tragic passing
We regret to report that NHL forward Johnny Gaudreau has passed away in a bicycle accident.
Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a vehicle while bike riding in New Jersey on Thursday night. Both men were reported dead at the scene. Johnny was age 31 at the time of the accident, while Matthew was 29 years of age.
According to multiple reports, the Gaudreau brothers were struck and killed by a vehicle while riding their bikes in Pedricktown, New Jersey, after 8 pm ET. The crash occurred at the intersection of Auburn Road and Stumpy Lane. The driver of the vehicle is cooperating with police.
Gaudreau was in town for his sister’s wedding on Friday, making this tragedy even more heartbreaking. Both brothers were scheduled to be groomsmen for their sister’s big day on August 30th.
The Columbus Blue Jackets released the following statement on their social media accounts Friday morning:
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, 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, nicknamed “Johnny Hockey,” was the definition of an NHL draft steal. The Calgary Flames selected the New Jersey native with the 104th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft. He immediately made an impact, finishing as a Calder Trophy finalist in his first season with 64 points.
Gaudreau spent the first nine seasons of his NHL career with the Flames, where he emerged as a star. He later signed a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets as a free agent in July 2022.
In 763 career regular season games with the Flames and Jackets, Gaudreau recorded 743 points (243 goals, 500 assists). During the 2024-25 campaign with CBJ, Gaudreau netted 12 goals and 48 assists in 81 games.
Gaudreau was widely regarded as one of the NHL’s most creative and skilled playmakers. His exceptional vision, puck-handling abilities, and hockey sense made him consistently make highlight reels.
Some of Gaudreau’s notable NHL awards and accomplishments include:
- Named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 2014-15
- Selected to play in six NHL All-Star Games (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022)
- Won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s most gentlemanly player in 2016-17
- Finished fourth in voting for the Hart Memorial Trophy in 2014-15 and 2021-22
The loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau is a profound tragedy. Johnny had used his platform to raise awareness and funds for various children’s health charities, a cause close to his heart. He was truly a well-liked role model in the hockey community.
May the Gaudreau brothers rest in peace. The hockey world mourns their loss, and our thoughts are with their family and friends during this difficult time.