Remembering Johnny Gaudreau: A Brilliant All-Star Career Cut Short

Johnny Gaudreau was a left winger for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL and has sadly passed away this morning. He played for Columbus for two seasons, before that he played for the Calgary Flames for nine seasons. The electrifying winger was first drafted in the 2011 NHL Draft, with the 104th overall pick, and had made it a long way since then. He started off being five foot and six inches and 137 lbs, now. Earning his nickname “Johnny Hockey,” you can see a glimpse of his impact on hockey. He was an amazing player taking part in the NHL All-Star Game for seven years in his career, showing off his skills in many challenges including shooting, passing, speed, and just team competition. 

With the announcement of Gaudreau’s passing, his teammates and team have released public statements expressing the impact he had on them. His past team, the Calgary Flames, who he played with for nine years expressed their pain as well. Statements like the team is “shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy.” Plus, the NHL posted on Instagram that they are, “shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.”

Knowing that Gaudreau died alongside his brother is truly a tragedy and to add on, their sister’s wedding was coming up in a few days as well. There are recent updates that the driver that hit them while they were riding their bicycles, was intoxicated. This would leave the driver with charges of vehicular manslaughter. We can only wait and see what comes of it all. 

With Gaudreau being such an amazing player, he was sure to be influential on and off the ice. He assisted mental health resources and was a father of two, a brother, a husband, and a teammate. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and watched him play. We must give space to the family and friends of the amazing hockey player, and allow them to cope with this accident.

Going forward, the Blue Jackets will have to rethink their strategy and their chances for the Stanley Cup. They have more than capable players, but you must consider the loss of an amazing and meaningful teammate. This may affect their emotional state and ability to play in some instances. However, players like Sean Monahan are perfectly capable of keeping the Blue Jackets up in the NHL standings. With his 30 points from last season, there is bound to be growth and improvement.