Johnny Gaudreau#Death

Gaudreau was born on August 13, 1993, in Salem, New Jersey, to Guy Gaudreau, a former soccer player and college hockey player and high school coach from Beebe Plain, Vermont,{{cite web|first=George |last=Johnson |url=https://calgaryherald.com/sports/hockey/johnson-johnny-hockey-era-begins-in-calgary-with-promise-intrigue|title=Johnson: Johnny Hockey era begins in Calgary with promise, intrigue|work=Calgary Herald|date=October 6, 2014}} and Jane Gaudreau. He had two sisters and a younger brother, Matthew, who played hockey for the Worcester Railers and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the ECHL and AHL, respectively.{{cite news |last=Axson |first=Scooby |date=August 30, 2024 |title=What to know about Johnny Gaudreau, Blue Jackets All-Star killed in biking accident |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/jackets/2024/08/30/what-to-know-johnny-gaudreau/75010997007/ |work=USA Today}}{{cite web |date=February 3, 2018 |title=NHL players take Super Bowl sides |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-players-make-super-bowl-52-picks/c-295584692 |access-date=December 29, 2018 |website=NHL.com |quote=Forward Johnny Gaudreau has never been shy about his South Jersey roots. He was born in Salem, New Jersey,}}

Gaudreau grew up in Carneys Point Township, New Jersey.{{cite news |last=Isaac |first=David |date=July 26, 2017 |title=Q&A with Carneys Point native Johnny Gaudreau |url=https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/sports/nhl/2017/07/26/q-a-carneys-point-native-johnny-gaudreau/509441001/ |access-date=October 26, 2017 |work=Courier Post |quote="South Jersey's brightest hockey star, Johnny Gaudreau, is holding a charity golf tournament on Friday with proceeds benefiting his alma mater, Gloucester Catholic. It's the second annual event for the Carneys Point native who has been an All-Star in his first three years in the NHL."}} As a child, he played little league baseball in the Penns Grove Little League, where he was teammates with future Boston Red Sox pitcher Mike Shawaryn,{{cite news |last=Anastasia |first=Phil |date=April 10, 2014 |title=When Gaudreau, Shawaryn, Elmer were in same Little League |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/254738442.html |access-date=November 21, 2016 |newspaper=The Philadelphia Inquirer |location=Philadelphia}} and participated in the 2006 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Hershey, Pennsylvania.{{cite web |year=2018 |title=Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA |url=https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306085544/https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf |archive-date=March 6, 2019 |access-date=January 6, 2019 |website=Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament}} He initially attended Gloucester Catholic High School in Gloucester City, New Jersey, but later graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in Dubuque, Iowa while playing for the Dubuque Fighting Saints.{{cite web |last=Pawling |first=Chris |date=December 21, 2013 |title=Former Gloucester Catholic High School star John Gaudreau helps Boston College to national ice hockey title |url=http://www.nj.com/gloucester-sports/index.ssf/2012/04/former_gloucester_catholic_hig.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022144140/http://articles.philly.com/2011-04-03/sports/29377412_1_john-gaudreau-special-hockey-gain-weight |archive-date=October 22, 2013 |access-date=April 26, 2012 |website=nj.com |quote=After reaching a state final with the Gloucester Catholic High School ice hockey team, transferring to Dubuque, IA to play for the Fighting Saints of the USHL, being selected in the NHL draft's fourth round by the Calgary Flames, Gaudreau helped lead Boston College to its third NCAA Division I national championship in the last five years.}}{{cite web |first=Kim |last=Klement|date=September 27, 2012 |title=BC Hockey Preview of Champions: Johnny Gaudreau, #13 |url=https://soaringtoglory.com/2012/09/27/bc-hockey-preview-of-champions-johnny-gaudreau-13 |website=Soaring to Glory}}

Gaudreau played the 2010–11 season with the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the United States Hockey League (USHL), where he played in the 2011 USHL All-Star Game and helped his team win the Clark Cup as the USHL champions. He ultimately finished second in the league in goals, with 36, and fourth in points, with 72.{{cite web |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/ushl/stats/2010-2011?sort=tp |title=USHL – 2010–11 |website=eliteprospects.com |access-date=January 6, 2025}} Gaudreau's outstanding play was rewarded with selections to the USHL All-Rookie Team and the All-USHL Second Team, as well as the USHL Rookie of the Year award.{{cite news|title=Who is this kid?!': Flames scout knew right away Gaudreau had star potential|url=https://calgarysun.com/sports/hockey/nhl/calgary-flames/who-is-this-kid-flames-scout-knew-right-away-gaudreau-would-be-a-star |work=Calgary Sun |first=Wes |last=Gilbertson |date=January 26, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://teamusa.usahockey.com/page/show/4988587-johnny-gaudreau|title=Johnny Gaudreau|website=TeamUSA.USAHockey.com |publisher=USA Hockey |accessdate=August 30, 2024}}

Gaudreau was selected in the 4th round, 104th overall, in the 2011 NHL entry draft by the Calgary Flames. Listed at {{height|ft=5|in=6}} and {{cvt|137|lb}}, Gaudreau was the lightest player selected at the draft, and tied with Rocco Grimaldi for the shortest player selected.{{cite news |last=Compton |first=Brian |title=NHL Teams Start To Think Small At Draft |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nhl-teams-start-to-think-small-at-draft/ |work=Fox News |date=June 25, 2011 |access-date=January 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108010925/https://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/06/25/nhl-teams-start-to-think-small-at-draft/ |archive-date=November 8, 2013 |url-status=live}}

After attending the Calgary Flames training camp ahead of the 2011–12 season, Gaudreau started his career in the NCAA with the Division I Boston College Eagles team in the Hockey East conference. He originally signed a letter of intent to play with Hockey East rival Northeastern University, but opted for Boston College when Northeastern hockey head coach Greg Cronin resigned in June 2011 to take a position with the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs.{{cite news|last=May|first=Peter|title=B.U. or B.C.? Hockey Star Let Brother Pick|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/26/sports/hockey/bu-or-bc-hockey-star-let-brother-pick.html|work=The New York Times|date=March 26, 2014 |access-date=November 5, 2014}}

As a freshman at Boston College, Gaudreau scored 21 goals and 23 assists (44 points) in 44 games, leading all first-year students in scoring. He played an integral part in Boston College's win in the team's national championship, scoring a goal late in the third period in their 4–1 win in the final over Ferris State University.{{cite news |title=Boston College Earns Fifth NCAA Championship with 4-1 Win Over Ferris State |url=http://www.hockeyeastonline.com/men/recaps12.php?mbc_fsu1.a07 |work=HockeyEastOnline.com |date=April 7, 2012 |access-date=January 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017183944/http://www.hockeyeastonline.com/men/recaps12.php?mbc_fsu1.a07 |archive-date=October 17, 2013 |location=Tampa Bay}} Gaudreau was awarded the Bill Flynn Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the Hockey East Championship Tournament. He also helped the Eagles win the traditional Beanpot Tournament for the third year in a row and was named Beanpot MVP after the tournament.{{cite web | url = https://www.bcinterruption.com/boston-college-hockey-2013-14-season/2014/4/11/5605112/gaudreau-goes-pro-johnny-hockey-signs-with-flames | title = Gaudreau Goes Pro: Johnny Hockey Signs With Flames | publisher = BC Nation BC Interruption | date = April 11, 2014}}

In his sophomore campaign, Gaudreau emerged as the team's star and improved upon his statistics, achieving a 21–30–51 scoring line in 35 games, and leading the nation in points per game at 1.46. He then led the Eagles to a fourth consecutive Beanpot championship after helping to win a gold medal for the United States at the 2013 World Juniors. Despite Boston College's defeat by archrival Boston University in the Hockey East tournament semi-finals and loss to Union College in the first round of the NCAA tournament, Gaudreau was named Hockey East Player of the Year, as well as an American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) First Team All-American.{{cite web|url=http://www.uscho.com/2013/03/21/boston-colleges-gaudreau-wins-hockey-east-player-of-the-year-laurels/|title=Boston College's Gaudreau wins Hockey East player of the year laurels :: USCHO.com :: U.S. College Hockey Online|publisher=uscho.com|access-date=April 5, 2014}} On April 3, 2013, Gaudreau was named one of the three finalists for the 2013 Hobey Baker Award, awarded to the NCAA's top men's ice hockey player, along with Eric Hartzell and Drew LeBlanc.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20131017184301/http://www.hobeybakeraward.com/news_article/show/244114?referrer_id=179324 2013 Hobey Hat Trick]}}, Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation website. Accessed February 23, 2015. St. Cloud State's Drew LeBlanc eventually won the award.{{cite web| url=https://hobeybaker.com/past-hattrick/2013-winner/| title=2013 Winner – DREW LeBLANC of St. Cloud State University – Hobey Baker Memorial Award| publisher=Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation website| access-date=August 30, 2024| archive-date=August 30, 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240830143745/https://hobeybaker.com/past-hattrick/2013-winner/| url-status=dead}}

Gaudreau remained at Boston College for his junior year despite rumors of him turning professional and joining the Calgary Flames. According to Gaudreau, one of the main reasons he stayed was to play with his younger brother Matthew, who joined Boston College's team in the fall.{{cite web|last=Kimelman|first=Adam|url=http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131023140012/http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=687705|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 23, 2013|title=Gaudreau, Gillies, Agostino among NHL.com's candidates who could win Hobey Baker Award|publisher=Calgary Flames|date=October 8, 2013}} Gaudreau subsequently led the NCAA in every major scoring category, scoring 36 goals and 44 assists for 80 points in 40 games, a 2.00 point per game pace, the highest production by any player in the country since 2003. After a 5–4 Eagles loss to Holy Cross in November, Gaudreau was placed on a line with Bill Arnold and Kevin Hayes, which quickly became collegiate hockey's most offensively-potent line, producing 46 goals and 68 assists for 114 points as a trio. In addition, Gaudreau tied Paul Kariya's record for the Hockey East single-season scoring streak at 31 games, scoring 29 goals and 61 points during the span.{{cite web|url=http://www.calgarysun.com/2014/03/16/johnny-gaudreau-fails-to-fly-by-paul-kariyas-ncaa-mark|title=Johnny Gaudreau fails to fly by Paul Kariya's NCAA mark|publisher=calgarysun.com|access-date=April 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318121822/http://www.calgarysun.com/2014/03/16/johnny-gaudreau-fails-to-fly-by-paul-kariyas-ncaa-mark|archive-date=March 18, 2014|url-status=dead}} For his season, he was named the league's Player of the Year for the second straight season, as well as the league's scoring champion with 36 points in 20 games, and was named a unanimous First-Team All-Star.{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeyeastonline.com/men/pres1314/201403/mar20awa.php|title=JOHNNY GAUDREAU REPEATS AS WARRIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR|publisher=hockeyeastonline.com|access-date=April 5, 2014|archive-date=February 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214141520/http://www.hockeyeastonline.com/men/pres1314/201403/mar20awa.php|url-status=dead}} He was also named a Hobey Baker top ten finalist on March 20,{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeyeastonline.com/men/pres1314/201403/mar20hb.php|title=HockeyEastOnline.com – BOSTON COLLEGE FORWARDS JOHNNY GAUDREAU AND KEVIN HAYES NAMED HOBEY BAKER TOP TEN FINALISTS|publisher=hockeyeastonline.com|access-date=April 5, 2014|archive-date=March 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321065108/http://www.hockeyeastonline.com/men/pres1314/201403/mar20hb.php|url-status=dead}} and a top three "Hobey Hat Trick" finalist for the second-straight year on April 2.{{cite web|url=http://www.hockeyeastonline.com/men/pres1314/201404/apr2hb.php|title=HockeyEastOnline.com – BOSTON COLLEGE JUNIOR FORWARD JOHNNY GAUDREAU NAMED TO HOBEY HAT TRICK|publisher=hockeyeastonline.com|access-date=April 5, 2013|archive-date=April 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407071542/http://www.hockeyeastonline.com/men/pres1314/201404/apr2hb.php|url-status=dead}} Although the Eagles lost to Union College in the Frozen Four on April 11, Gaudreau was named the 2014 recipient of the Hobey Baker Award.{{cite web |url=http://hobeybaker.com/awards/the-hobey-baker-memorial-award/past-winners/item/2014-winner |title=The Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation – 2014 Winner |publisher=Hobey Baker Memorial Award Foundation |access-date=November 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728052346/http://www.hobeybaker.com/awards/the-hobey-baker-memorial-award/past-winners/item/2014-winner |archive-date=July 28, 2016 |url-status=dead }}

Gaudreau entered the NHL on the day he received the Hobey Baker Award. On April 11, 2014, shortly after the ceremony, Gaudreau and Eagles teammate Bill Arnold signed entry-level contracts with the Calgary Flames,[http://www.bcinterruption.com/boston-college-hockey-2013-14-season/2014/4/11/5605112/gaudreau-goes-pro-johnny-hockey-signs-with-flames Gaudreau Goes Pro: Johnny Hockey Signs With Flames]. BC Interruption. Accessed April 17, 2015. Arnold having been drafted by Calgary in 2010. Both made their NHL debut in the Flames' final game of the 2013–14 season against the Vancouver Canucks. Gaudreau scored the Flames' only goal on his first shot of his first professional game.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/cgy-vs-van/2014/04/13/2013021228|title=Calgary Flames – Vancouver Canucks – April 13th, 2014|website=NHL.com}}{{cite web |last=Hageny |first=John Christian |date=April 13, 2014 |title=Ice Hockey: First NHL game, First shot on goal, Johnny Gaudreau scores First NHL goal |url=http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/1500630979841298078/ice-hockey-first-nhl-game-first-shot-on-goal-johnny-gaudreau-scores-first-nhl-goal/ |newspaper=The Star-Ledger |publisher=NJ Advance Media |access-date=November 19, 2016}}

File:Johnny Gaudreau 2016-09-05 (2).png

To begin the 2014–15 season, Gaudreau earned a spot on the Flames' roster to continue his NHL career. Starting off slowly, Gaudreau did not record a point until the year's sixth game. However, he heated up quickly, amassing 12 goals and 30 points through 37 games.[http://flames.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8476346&view=stats Johnny Gaudreau Calgary Flames – 2014–2015 Stats – Calgary Flames – Team]. National Hockey League.com (August 13, 1993). Accessed April 17, 2015. He scored his first career NHL hat-trick against Jonathan Quick on December 22, 2014, in a 4–3 comeback win over the Los Angeles Kings, becoming the youngest Flames player to record a hat-trick since Joe Nieuwendyk in the 1987–88 season.{{cite news |last=Dillman |first=Lisa |title=What we learned from the Kings' 4-3 overtime loss to Calgary |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-what-we-learned-kings-flames-20141223-story.html |access-date=April 17, 2015 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=December 23, 2014}} Gaudreau was selected to play in the 2015 NHL All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio, on January 25, 2015, and participated in the Skills Competition, garnering attention with Jakub Voráček for their antics during the shootout challenge.[http://www.bceagles.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/012515aaa.html Gaudreau selected to NHL All-Star Game – Boston College Official Athletic Site] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403194544/http://www.bceagles.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/012515aaa.html |date=April 3, 2015 }}. Bceagles.com (January 25, 2015). Accessed April 17, 2015. The shootout move,{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBSGsvT45YA|title=Gaudreau helps Voracek in Breakaway Challenge|last=NHL|date=January 24, 2015|via=YouTube}} which imitated the previous move performed by Ryan Johansen{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9-KSCXnpS4|title=Johansen and Voracek get help in Breakaway Challenge|last=NHL|date=January 24, 2015|via=YouTube}} (who helped seven-year-old Cole Vogt, the son of Columbus Blue Jackets trainer Mike Vogt, score a goal on Corey Crawford) went viral. Voráček, who went immediately after Johansen, "helped" Gaudreau score a goal in the same manner as Johansen did with Vogt, making fun of Gaudreau's size and youth, as his small stature in comparison to other NHLers led some to believe that he looked like a child.Lozo, Dave (January 24, 2015) [http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2341491-jakub-voracek-johnny-gaudreau-steal-the-show-at-nhl-all-star-skills-competition Jakub Voracek, Johnny Gaudreau Steal the Show at NHL All-Star Skills Competition]. bleacherreport.com

Gaudreau was originally named to the All-Star Skills Competition Rookie Team, limited to only the competition portion, but was promoted to the All-Star Game itself as a replacement to Pittsburgh Penguins forward and captain Sidney Crosby, who could not play due to injury.{{cite news|url=https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/sports/2015/01/23/south-jerseys-johnny-gaudreau-to-replace-sidney-crosby-in-all-star-game/22215139/|title=South Jersey's Johnny Gaudreau to reportedly replace Sidney Crosby in All-Star Game|last=Isaac|first=Dave|newspaper=Courier Post|date=January 23, 2015|accessdate=August 30, 2024}} Gaudreau was named to Team Toews and recorded two assists in the game, both on goals scored by the Nashville Predators' Filip Forsberg.{{cite news|url=https://www.nashvillepost.com/two-goals-give-forsberg-place-in-teams-nhls-all-star-game-history/article_984d6a92-6048-532c-a67b-b2d296c4e509.html|title=Two goals give Forsberg place in team's, NHL's All-Star Game history|last=Boclair|first=Dave|newspaper=Nashville Post|date=January 26, 2015|accessdate=August 30, 2024}} On March 11, 2015, Gaudreau scored his 50th point of the season, becoming the first Flames rookie to reach the mark since Jarome Iginla in 1996–97.{{cite news |title=Flames' Gaudreau scores twice to join select company |url=https://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=757724 |work=NHL.com |date=March 12, 2015 |access-date=April 17, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626135618/https://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=757724 |archive-date=June 26, 2015}}{{Cite news |date=2015-03-12 |title=Johnny Gaudreau of Calgary Flames scores twice against Anaheim Ducks to join select company |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=757724 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023062016/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=757724 |archive-date=October 23, 2015 |access-date=2025-02-11 |work=NHL.com |url-status=live }} Gaudreau finished the season tied for the rookie scoring lead with Mark Stone of the Ottawa Senators. Gaudreau had 24 goals and led all rookies with 40 assists, while Stone had 26 goals.{{cite web | url = https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/numerology-johnny-gaudreau/c-760906 | title = Numerology: Johnny Gaudreau | publisher = Calgary Flames.com | date = April 1, 2015}}{{cite web | url = https://www.nhl.com/news/ekblad-gaudreau-stone-voted-calder-trophy-finalists/c-764893 | title = Ekblad, Gaudreau, Stone voted Calder Trophy finalists | publisher = NHL.com | date = April 23, 2015}} He was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best rookie, but the award went to Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad, with Gaudreau finishing third.{{cite web | url = https://www.nhl.com/news/panthers-rookie-ekblad-wins-calder-trophy/c-772058 | title = Panthers rookie Ekblad wins Calder Trophy | publisher = NHL.com | date = June 24, 2015}} He was named to the NHL's All-Rookie team for the 2014–15 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/cbj-sign-six-time-all-star-johnny-gaudreau-to-seven-year-contract-334972620|title=CBJ sign six-time All-Star Johnny Gaudreau to seven-year contract|publisher=NHL Enterprises, L. P.|date=July 23, 2022|website=NHL.com|accessdate=August 30, 2024}}

The 2015–16 season was a breakout year for Gaudreau, as the sophomore set career highs in goals, assists, and points en route to finishing tied for sixth among all NHL players in total points.[http://espn.go.com/nhl/statistics/player/_/stat/points/sort/points/year/2016 NHL Player Points Statistics – 2015–16]{{dead link|date=July 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. espn.go.com For the second straight year, Gaudreau participated in the NHL All-Star Game, the 61st in NHL history. Gaudreau was selected as a finalist to be the All-Star Game MVP, an honor eventually given to unlikely write-in candidate enforcer John Scott.{{cite news |last=Walker |first=Teresa M. |title=NHL All-Star Game: John Scott voted MVP in Pacific win |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-all-star-game-recap-1.3427978 |work=CBC Sports |agency=The Associated Press |date=January 31, 2016}} However, the Flames failed to live up to high expectations following their surprisingly successful 2014–15 season,{{cite web |last1=Paine |first1=Neil |last2=Coller |first2=Matt |name-list-style=and |date=September 28, 2015 |title=Is your team projected to win it all? |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/13763045 |access-date=January 6, 2025 |website=ESPN.com}}{{cite web |url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/thns-2015-16-nhl-season-preview-calgary-flames |title=THN's 2015-16 NHL season preview: Calgary Flames |work=The Hockey News |date=October 2, 2025 |access-date=January 6, 2025 |quote=The Flames now believe they belong. They won't sneak up on anyone, but they won't have to. They're skilled enough to hang with the West's best.}} finishing 26th in the NHL and missing the Stanley Cup playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons.{{Cite web |last=Gilligan |first=Melissa |date=April 13, 2016 |title='Consistency was a major problem this year': Bob Hartley reflects on the Calgary Flames' 2015–16 season |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/2635432/consistency-was-a-major-problem-this-year-bob-hartley-reflects-on-the-calgary-flames-2015-16-season/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=Global News}}

Gaudreau missed the entirety of the Flames' 2016 training camp due to a contract dispute.{{cite web |last=Peters |first=Chris |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/flames-finally-re-sign-johnny-gaudreau-with-six-year-40-5-million-deal/ |title=Flames finally re-sign Johnny Gaudreau with six-year, $40.5 million deal |work=CBS Sports |date=October 10, 2016 |access-date=January 6, 2025 |quote=Gaudreau had not reported to training camp due to his not being under contract. With the threat of missing games becoming very real with the season fast approaching, the two sides finally reached an agreement and it looks to be very fair value for the team in particular.}} On October 10, 2016, two days before the Flames' season opener, Gaudreau signed a six-year, $40.5 million contract worth $6.75 million annually.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/johnny-gaudreau-signs-6-year-deal-flames/|title=Johnny Gaudreau signs 6-year deal with Flames |publisher =Sportsnet.ca| date = October 10, 2016}} On November 16, 2016, in a game against the Minnesota Wild, Gaudreau suffered a finger fracture. He had surgery the following day.{{cite web|last=Vickers|first=Aaron|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/calgary-flames-johnny-gaudreau-needs-surgery/c-283793322|title=Johnny Gaudreau to have surgery on fractured finger|website=NHL.com | date = November 16, 2016}} Despite speculation he would miss up to six weeks of the season, Gaudreau returned after ten games.{{cite web|last=Vickers|first=Aaron|title=Johnny Gaudreau back in Flames lineup|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/johnny-gaudreau-returns-to-flames-vs-ducks/c-284374480|website=NHL.com|access-date=March 13, 2018|date=December 4, 2016}} Gaudreau finished the season with 18 goals and 43 assists for 61 points in 72 games, leading the Flames in scoring. However, in the playoffs, the Flames would lose in a four-game sweep to the Anaheim Ducks in the first round, with Gaudreau unable to score a goal.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=400950085|title=Ducks sweep away Flames with 3–1 win in Game 4|publisher=ESPN Enterprises, Inc.|date=April 19, 2017|website=ESPN.com|accessdate=August 30, 2024}}

Gaudreau set a career high in points scored during the 2017–18 season, leading the Flames with 84.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/342633/2018/05/05/the-flames-wasted-an-mvp-calibre-season-from-johnny-gaudreau/|title=The Flames wasted an MVP-calibre season from Johnny Gaudreau|last=Wilson|first=Kent|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 5, 2018|accessdate=August 30, 2024}} He was named an NHL All-Star for the fourth consecutive year, but would not participate in the playoffs as the Flames came up short of a late-season push for the last wild card spot in the Western Conference.{{cite web|url=https://bceagles.com/news/2018/1/12/mens-hockey-gaudreau-hanifin-named-to-nhl-all-star-game|title=Gaudreau, Hanifin Named to NHL All-Star Game|publisher=Boston College Athletics|date=January 12, 2018|website=BCEagles.com|accessdate=August 30, 2024}}

The 2018–19 season was Gaudreau's best regular season. He finished with a career-best 99 points, including career highs in goals (36), assists (63), and points (99). He was tied for seventh place in league scoring. The Flames won the Pacific Division and were the Western Conference's top seed heading into the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs.{{cite web|last=Parkinson|first=Mark|title=2018–19 Player Report Card: Johnny Gaudreau|url=https://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/2019/5/29/18641036/2018-19-player-report-card-johnny-gaudreau|website=Matchsticks & Gasoline|access-date=April 25, 2022|date=May 29, 2019}} Gaudreau finished fourth in voting for the Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association (PHWA) to the league's most valuable player.{{cite web|last=Salvian|first=Hailey|title=Is this the best version of Johnny Gaudreau we've seen in Calgary?|url=https://theathletic.com/3062710/2022/01/11/is-this-the-best-version-of-johnny-gaudreau-weve-seen-in-calgary/|website=The Athletic|access-date=April 25, 2022|date=January 11, 2022}} However, in the first round of the 2019 playoffs, the Flames lost to the eighth-seeded Colorado Avalanche. Gaudreau managed only one point, an assist, in the five-game series, which was singled out as a key weakness for the Flames in the postseason.{{cite web|last=Graham|first=Pat|title=Held at bay, Johnny Gaudreau hopes to ignite Calgary Flames in Game 5|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/5185098/calgary-flames-johnny-gaudreau-game-5/|website=Global News|access-date=April 25, 2022|date=April 19, 2019}}

Following his success in 2018–19, Gaudreau had a disappointing season, hitting career lows of only 18 goals and 40 assists for 58 points in 70 games.{{cite web|title=2019–20 Player Report Card: Johnny Gaudreau|url=https://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/2020/6/5/21280699/2019-20-player-report-card-johnny-gaudreau|website=Matchsticks & Gasoline|access-date=April 25, 2022|date=June 5, 2020}} The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the regular season being prematurely halted in March. The NHL eventually arranged to hold the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs in a bubble in Edmonton and Toronto. The Flames had been eighth in the Western Conference when the regular season was suspended, and so played the ninth-place Winnipeg Jets in a special qualifying round. In game one of the series, Gaudreau scored his first playoff goal since 2015, helping the Flames win the game 4–1.{{cite web|last=Meadows|first=Bailey|title=Flames special teams dominance secures Game 1 win against Jets|url=https://dailyhive.com/calgary/flames-win-game-1-winnipeg-jets-playoffs|website=Daily Faceoff|access-date=April 25, 2022|date=August 2, 2020}} After ousting the Jets 3–1 in the qualifying round, the Flames faced the Dallas Stars in the first round. Gaudreau again struggled to produce in the playoffs, and the Flames lost the series four games to two.{{cite web|last=Pankiw|first=Colton|title=Flames Need to Move on From Johnny Gaudreau|url=https://thehockeywriters.com/flames-johnny-gaudreau-trade-needed/|website=TheHockeyWriters.com|access-date=April 25, 2022|date=August 24, 2020}}

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHL realigned its divisions temporarily for a shortened 2020–21 season. To eliminate cross-border travel, all seven Canadian teams played in the North Division.{{Cite web|date=December 20, 2020|title=NHL teams in new divisions for 2020–21 season|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-teams-in-new-divisions-for-2020-21-season/c-319844882|access-date=December 20, 2020|website=NHL.com}} The year began slowly for Gaudreau, and further difficulties arose when coach Geoff Ward was replaced midway through the season by Darryl Sutter. Adjusting to Sutter's style was challenging, and Gaudreau posted only seven points in a span of fifteen games following the switch. However, his scoring improved dramatically during the final months of the regular season, alongside general improvement of the team.{{cite web|last=Pankiw|first=Colton|title=Flames 2020–21 Report Cards: Johnny Gaudreau|url=https://thehockeywriters.com/flames-2020-21-report-cards-johnny-gaudreau/|website=The Hockey Writers|access-date=April 25, 2022|date=June 9, 2021}}{{cite web|title=2021 Player Report Card: Johnny Gaudreau|url=https://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/2021/6/15/22533940/johnny-gaudreau-calgary-flames-report-card-2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426024546/https://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/2021/6/15/22533940/johnny-gaudreau-calgary-flames-report-card-2021|archive-date=April 26, 2022|website=Matchsticks & Gasoline|access-date=April 25, 2022|date=June 15, 2020|url-status=dead}} He recorded his 300th career assist on a goal by teammate Sam Bennett in a game against the Edmonton Oilers.{{cite web|title=Oilers vs. Flames final score: Calgary outlasts Edmonton in first edition of 2021 Battle of Alberta|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nhl/news/oilers-flames-live-score-highlights-updates-battle-of-alberta-2021/2a49apkttrqn1hsolunob5wtb|website=The Sporting News|last=Spiegel|first=Jackie|access-date=April 25, 2022|date=February 7, 2021}} Gaudreau again lead the Flames in goals (19) and assists (30) during the season. The Flames did not qualify for the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, coming four points short of the Montreal Canadiens for the final berth in the North Division.

The NHL's divisions and format returned to their pre-pandemic norms for the 2021–22 season, the Flames' first full season under returning coach Sutter. It would be one of the most successful regular seasons in team history, with Gaudreau at the center of its success. With centreman Elias Lindholm and Matthew Tkachuk on the right wing, he formed one of the most dominant forward lines in the NHL, and all three members hit numerous personal and collective milestones throughout the season. On April 12, he hit the 100-point mark for the first time in his career. Gaudreau scored his 40th goal of the season in an April 29 loss to the Minnesota Wild, joining Lindholm and Tkachuk in this feat, the first time in 28 years that linemates had all achieved this, and only the fourth time in that span that a team had three 40-goal scorers.{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2022 |title=Flames' Gaudreau ensures his line joins exclusive 40–40–40 club|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/flames-gaudreau-ensures-his-line-joins-exclusive-40-40-40-club/ |last=Francis |first=Eric |access-date=May 16, 2022 |website=Sportsnet}} He finished the season playing in all 82 contests with 40 goals and 75 assists for 115 points, finishing second overall in points standings for the Art Ross Trophy, behind only Edmonton Oilers forward and captain Connor McDavid.{{cite news|title=McDavid wins Art Ross Trophy for fourth time|url=https://thehockeynews.com/news/mcdavid-wins-art-ross-trophy-for-fourth-time|website=The Hockey News|last=Ellis|first=Steven|access-date=May 16, 2022|date=May 1, 2022}} This was also the second-most points ever for a Flame, behind only Kent Nilsson (131) in 1980–81. Gaudreau's performance through the season led many to argue that he should be a serious candidate for the Hart Memorial Trophy, though he was ultimately not a finalist, finishing fourth in the voting.{{Cite web |date=April 28, 2022 |title=Why the Flames' Johnny Gaudreau deserves to be a Hart Trophy finalist|url=https://theathletic.com/3277767/2022/04/28/calgary-flames-johnny-gaudreau-hart-trophy-mvp/ |last1=Salvian |first1=Hailey |last2=Goldman |first2=Shayna |access-date=May 16, 2022 |website=The Athletic}}{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2022 |title=2022 NHL Awards: Full list of winners |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/2022-nhl-awards-full-list-of-winners/ |access-date=June 22, 2022 |website=Sportsnet}} The Flames won the Pacific Division and finished sixth in the league.

The Flames drew the Dallas Stars in the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, a rematch of the bubble playoffs two years prior, and a matchup in which the Flames were considered the favourites. In light of disappointing results in preceding years, Gaudreau's prospective performance was the subject of considerable speculation.{{Cite web |last1=Luszczyszyn |first1=Dom |last2=Goldman |first2=Shayna |name-list-style=and |date=May 1, 2022 |title=2022 NHL playoff preview: Flames vs. Stars |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3287956/2022/05/01/flames-stars-nhl-playoffs-preview/ |access-date=February 11, 2025 |website=The Athletic |via=The New York Times}} The Stars proved a greater challenge than many had anticipated, largely due to an exceptional performance from goaltender Jake Oettinger. After falling behind two games to one, Gaudreau scored the game-winning goal to help tie the series in game four, his first of the playoffs.{{Cite web |date=May 10, 2022 |title=Gaudreau, Markstrom lead Flames past Stars in Game 4 to tie series|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/gaudreau-markstrom-lead-flames-past-stars-in-game-4-to-tie-series/ |access-date=May 16, 2022 |website=Sportsnet}} His performance through the early games earned the praise of coach Sutter, who said he felt that Gaudreau had "taken that step" to perform as well in the playoffs as he had during the regular season.{{Cite web |date=May 12, 2022 |title=Hart snub aside, Gaudreau's game continues ramping up in playoffs for Flames|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/hart-snub-aside-flames-gaudreau-game-continues-ramping-up-in-the-playoffs/ |last=Francis |first=Eric |access-date=May 16, 2022 |website=Sportsnet}} Gaudreau's second goal of the playoffs was also a game-winner, this time in overtime in game seven, sending the Flames through to the second round for the first time in seven years.{{Cite web |date=May 16, 2022 |title=Johnny Gaudreau's overtime goal lifts Flames to Game 7 win over Stars|url=https://theathletic.com/news/stars-flames-game-7/CTypvMF85k1B/ |access-date=May 16, 2022 |website=The Athletic}} The Flames drew the Edmonton Oilers in the second round, the first playoff "Battle of Alberta" in 31 years.{{Cite web |date=May 16, 2022 |title=Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2 Preview: Flames vs. Oilers |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/stanley-cup-playoffs-round-2-preview-flames-vs-oilers/ |last=Boylen |first=Rory |access-date=May 16, 2022 |website=Sportsnet}} The Flames were defeated by the Oilers in five games, bringing the playoff run to an end.{{Cite web |date=May 27, 2022 |title=Oilers' stars shine bright — and extinguish Flames in the process|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/oilers-stars-shine-bright-and-extinguish-flames-in-the-process/ |last=Spector |first=Mark |access-date=May 28, 2022 |website=Sportsnet}}

With the pending expiration of Gaudreau's contract, many regarded him as the top unrestricted free agent of 2022, and whether the Flames could re-sign him was a topic of considerable discussion.{{Cite web |date=July 11, 2022 |title=NHL's Top 12 UFAs of 2022: Latest rumours, reports|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/nhl-best-unrestricted-free-agents-2022-ufas-rumours/ |last=Fox |first=Luke |access-date=July 12, 2022 |website=Sportsnet}} On July 12, 2022, the Flames announced that Gaudreau would not return to Calgary despite an aggressive internal campaign by the club to re-sign him, including a monetary package that would have made Gaudreau one of the highest paid players in the league.{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2022 |title=After Gaudreau left money on the table to leave, where does Calgary go from here?|url=https://www.tsn.ca/video/after-gaudreau-left-money-on-the-table-to-leave-where-does-calgary-go-from-here~2483913 |last= |first= |access-date=July 13, 2022 |website=TSN}} General Manager Brad Treliving described Gaudreau's decision as a "disappointing day, to say the very least," but noted Gaudreau's desire to move closer to his family, saying "I respect that fully. John has every right, and we have nothing but respect for John the player and John the person."{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2022 |title=As Gaudreau makes emotional departure, Flames look to avoid knee-jerk response|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/as-gaudreau-makes-emotional-departure-flames-looking-to-avoid-knee-jerk-response/ |last=Francis |first=Eric |access-date=July 13, 2022 |website=Sportsnet}}

File:Columbus Blue Jackets at Seattle Kraken - 2024-01-28 - Will Borgen, Brandon Tanev and Johnny Gaudreau (53496368141).jpg

On July 13, 2022, the opening day of free agency, Gaudreau agreed to a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with an average annual value of $9.75 million with the Columbus Blue Jackets, accepting less money than offered by Calgary and comparable deals provided by the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders to play for the club.{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2022 |title=Gaudreau, Blue Jackets agree to seven-year, $68.25M contract|url=https://www.tsn.ca/johnny-gaudreau-signs-columbus-blue-jackets-1.1825204 |last= |first= |access-date=July 13, 2022 |website=TSN}}{{Cite web |date=July 14, 2022 |title=How did Johnny Gaudreau end up with the Columbus Blue Jackets?|url=https://theathletic.com/3422448/2022/07/14/lebrun-gaudreau-blue-jackets-signing/ |last=LeBrun |first=Pierre |access-date=July 14, 2022 |website=The Athletic}} His decision to sign in Columbus "stunned" the hockey world, both because it had not been among the most commonly mooted destinations beforehand and because Columbus had acquired a reputation as an undesirable destination for free agents.{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2022 |title='Are we in a simulation?': Gaudreau's Columbus decision stuns hockey world|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/are-we-in-a-simulation-gaudreaus-columbus-decision-stuns-hockey-world/ |access-date=July 14, 2022 |website=Sportsnet}}{{Cite web |date=July 14, 2022 |title=Free agency winners and losers: Senators, Blue Jackets come up big|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/free-agency-winners-and-losers-senators-blue-jackets-come-up-big/ |last=Dixon |first=Ryan |access-date=July 14, 2022 |website=Sportsnet}}{{Cite web |date=July 14, 2022 |title=Johnny Gaudreau explains why he stunned the NHL world and chose the Blue Jackets|url=https://theathletic.com/3422168/2022/07/13/johnny-gaudreau-blue-jackets-contract/ |last=Portzline |first=Aaron |access-date=July 14, 2022 |website=The Athletic}} Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekäläinen expressed the hope that with the signing "we can finally get rid of the bullshit that this is somehow a bad destination, a bad city, whatever. Because it's never been true."

Gaudreau's first season with the Blue Jackets was difficult, as injuries to key players and poor performances from many others plagued the team. Gaudreau's performance was lauded, and he was chosen to represent the team at the 2023 All-Star Game.{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2023 |title=Johnny Gaudreau selected to participate in 2023 Honda NHL All-Star Game |url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/johnny-gaudreau-selected-to-participate-in-2023-honda-nhl-all-star-game/c-339569652 |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=NHL.com}} The Blue Jackets ultimately finished thirty-first of thirty-two teams in the league, while Gaudreau had a team-leading 74 points, 22 more than second-place Patrik Laine.{{Cite web |date=April 17, 2023 |title=Columbus Blue Jackets Season in Review: Johnny Gaudreau |url=https://unionandblue.com/2023/04/17/columbus-blue-jackets-season-review-johnny-gaudreau/ |last=Deem |first=Curtis |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=Union and Blue}} Despite the disappointing season, he insisted "I don't have any second thoughts. I love it here."{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2023 |title=Johnny Gaudreau has no second thoughts as Blue Jackets' season crumbles |url=https://theathletic.com/4082883/2023/01/12/johnny-gaudreau-columbus-blue-jackets/ |last=Portzline |first=Aaron |access-date=May 22, 2023 |website=The Athletic}}

In the 2023–24 season, Gaudreau saw his point production decline from 74 to 60 despite again leading the Blue Jackets. The Hockey News attributed the down year in part to his lack of consistent linemates,{{cite web |last=Newland |first=Jason |title=Columbus Blue Jackets 2023-24 Award Winners - The Hockey News Columbus Blue Jackets News, Analysis and More |url=https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/columbus-blue-jackets-2023-24-award-winners |website=The Hockey News |access-date=September 7, 2024 |language=en |date=April 19, 2024}} as the Blue Jackets finished tied with Montreal both for the worst standings in the Eastern Conference and fourth-worst overall.

{{MedalTableTop|name=}}

{{MedalCountry|{{flagicon|USA}} United States}}

{{MedalSport|Ice hockey}}

{{MedalCompetition | IIHF World Championships }}

{{MedalBronze | 2018 Denmark | }}

{{MedalCompetition | IIHF World Junior Championships }}

{{MedalGold | 2013 Russia | }}

{{MedalCompetition | Hlinka Gretzky Cup }}

{{MedalSilver | 2010 Czech Republic/Slovakia | }}

{{MedalBottom}}

In 2013, Gaudreau was selected to represent the United States in the 2013 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He led the tournament with seven goals and tied for the team lead with nine points as the U.S. won the gold medal.{{cite web|title=Player Statistics by Team: USA|url=http://stats.worldjunior2013.com/Hydra/306/IHM3060USA_83_7_0.pdf|publisher=IIHF|access-date=January 7, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017014553/http://stats.worldjunior2013.com/Hydra/306/IHM3060USA_83_7_0.pdf|archive-date=October 17, 2013}} Highlighted by a hat-trick in the quarter-finals against the Czech Republic and another two goals against Canada in the semi-finals, he was named to the tournament All-Star Team.{{cite web|title=Media All Stars |url=http://stats.worldjunior2013.com/Hydra/306/IHM306000_98_2_0.pdf |publisher=IIHF |access-date=January 7, 2013 }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

In 2014, Gaudreau was named to the senior United States team that played in the 2014 IIHF World Championship in Minsk, Belarus. He scored his first international goal as a professional in a pre-tournament game against Germany, scoring the second goal in a 3–1 victory.{{cite web|url=http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/383111?referrer_id=752796|title=U.S. Men's National Team Downs Germany, 3–1, in Pre-Tournament Game|date=May 6, 2014 |publisher=USAhockey.com|access-date=May 7, 2014}} He scored in the first official game of the tournament, the third goal in a 5–1 victory over hosts Belarus. Although the U.S. bowed out of the tournament in a quarter-final loss to the Czech Republic, Gaudreau finished the tournament tenth in scoring, with two goals and eight assists for ten points, including a four-point performance in a 5–4 win over Germany.{{cite web |url=http://mensworlds.usahockey.com/news_article/show/387832?referrer_id=780184 |title=Gaudreau Dazzles in Victory over Germany |last=Pinelli |first=Brian |date=May 20, 2014 |website=USA Hockey |access-date=November 19, 2016}}

In 2016, Gaudreau joined Team North America to play at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, playing alongside other NHL stars from both the United States and Canada who were 23 years old and under at the time. He scored four points in three games, two goals, and two assists.{{cite web |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/2016-world-cup-hockey-johnny-gaudreaus-coming-party/ |title=2016 World Cup of Hockey was Johnny Gaudreau's coming-out party |work=Sportsnet |first=Eric |last=Francis |date=May 20, 2020}}

In 2018, Gaudreau was named to the American roster to compete at the 2018 IIHF World Championship.{{cite web|title=2018 U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL TEAM ROSTER|url=https://teamusa.usahockey.com/page/show/4102041-2018-mwc-2018-u-s-men-s-national-team-staff-roster|website=teamusa.usahockey.com|access-date=April 29, 2018}} He scored one goal and eight assists during the tournament en route to a bronze medal for the U.S.{{cite magazine |author=Associated Press|url=https://www.si.com/nhl/2018/05/20/usa-hockey-canada-bronze-world-championships |title=U.S. Tops Canada to Take Bronze at IIHF World Championships |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=May 20, 2018 |access-date=January 6, 2025}}

On April 19, 2019, Gaudreau was selected to represent Team USA at the 2019 IIHF World Championship, held in Bratislava and Košice, Slovakia.{{cite web| url = https://teamusa.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1013947 | title = First 17 players named to 2019 U.S. Men's national team | publisher = USA Hockey | date = April 19, 2019 | access-date = April 19, 2019}} He recorded only one goal and one assist over the U.S.' six games, with the team finishing seventh in the tournament following a quarterfinals loss to Russia.{{cite web |url=https://teamusa.usahockey.com/2019mensworlds |title=2019 Men's Worlds |website=teamusa.usahockey.com |publisher=USA Hockey |access-date=January 6, 2025}}

After several years away from international play, Gaudreau was named to the U.S.' roster for the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Prague and Ostrava, Czechia.{{Cite web|url=https://teamusa.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1308016|title=First 15 Players Named to 2024 U.S. Men's National Team|publisher=teamusa.usahockey.com|date=24 April 2024}} He scored three goals and eight assists during the tournament,{{cite web |url=https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2024/wm/skaters/scoringleaders |title=Scoring Leaders – 2024 IIHF World Championship |website=iihf.com |access-date=January 6, 2025}} but the United States once again failed to medal, finishing in fifth after a quarterfinals loss to the host Czechs.{{cite web |url=https://teamusa.usahockey.com/2024mensworlds |title=2024 Men's Worlds |website=teamusa.usahockey.com |publisher=USA Hockey |access-date=January 6, 2025}}

File:Johnny Gaudreau in Calgary Stampede Parade (43226870552).jpg]]

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's parents are Guy and Jane Gaudreau. Guy Gaudreau, a native of Beebe Plain, Vermont, played college hockey at Norwich University, after playing high school hockey at North Country Union High School. He was inducted into the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame.{{cite web|title=VERMONT SPORTS HALL OF FAME|url=http://www.vermontsportshall.com/2017gaudreau.html|website=vermontsportshall.com|access-date=December 19, 2017}} He settled in southern New Jersey and spent 11 years coaching hockey at Gloucester Catholic.{{cite web|last=Gould|first=Brandon|title=Guy Gaudreau, father of NHL star 'Johnny Hockey,' steps down as coach at Gloucester Catholic|url=http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/632544990063191451/guy-gaudreau-father-of-johnny-hockey-steps-down-as-coach-at-gloucester-catholic/|website=nj.com|access-date=December 19, 2017|date=March 20, 2017}}

Gaudreau married his wife, Meredith, in September 2021.{{cite web |last=Hendricks |first=Jaclyn |title=Johnny Gaudreau mourners honor late Blue Jackets star with roadside memorial at site of crash |url=https://nypost.com/2024/08/30/sports/johnny-gaudreau-fans-lay-flowers-at-site-of-nj-accident/ |website=nypost.com |date=August 30, 2024 |access-date=August 30, 2024}} The couple had two children together: a daughter, Noa, born in September 2022 and a son, Johnny Jr., born in February 2024.{{cite web |last=Whyno |first=Stephen |date=August 30, 2024 |title=NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and brother killed when bicycles hit by car on eve of sister's wedding |url=https://fox59.com/news/ap-top-headlines/ap-nhl-player-johnny-gaudreau-and-his-brother-have-died-after-their-bicycles-were-hit-by-a-car/ |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=fox59.com}} On September 9, 2024, Meredith announced in her eulogy that she was pregnant with their third child (due in Spring 2025).{{cite web |last=Shapiro |first=Emily |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Johnny Gaudreau's widow announces pregnancy with their 3rd child at memorial service |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/johnny-gaudreaus-widow-announces-pregnancy-3rd-child-memorial/story?id=113524192 |access-date=February 11, 2025 |website=abcnews.com}} On April 1, 2025, Meredith gave birth to Carter Michael Gaudreau. Carter was given the middle name Michael in honor of Johnny, whose middle name was also Michael.[https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/nhl-star-johnny-gaudreaus-wife-welcomes-baby-boy-7-months-was-killed-b-rcna200053 NHL star Johnny Gaudreau's wife welcomes baby boy 7 months after he was killed in bicycle crash], NBC News

Gaudreau's younger brother, Matthew, was also a professional hockey player and played on the Reading Royals of the ECHL. He previously played for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League (AHL) and their ECHL affiliate, the Worcester Railers.{{cite web|title=MATT GAUDREAU|url=http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=121912|website=eliteprospects.com|access-date=December 20, 2017}} Gaudreau and his brother played together at Boston College during the 2013–14 season.

In January 2015, Johnny Gaudreau filed a trademark application for the nickname "Johnny Hockey" in Canada and the U.S. due to concerns that people would abuse his nickname for their own marketing gain.{{cite web|last=Westhead|first=Rick|title=Flames' rookie files trademark applications for 'Johnny Hockey'|url=https://www.tsn.ca/flames-rookie-files-trademark-applications-for-johnny-hockey-1.181721|website=TSN.ca|publisher=TSN|access-date=December 20, 2017|date=January 13, 2015}}

After Johnny and his brother, Matthew, were struck and killed by a drunk driver while riding their bicycles near their hometown in New Jersey on August 29, 2024,{{cite web|title=NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother killed when their bicycles hit by car|url=https://apnews.com/article/johnny-gaudreau-35de1641d040f02ecd83a9638e6aca32|website=Alternative Press}} Matthew's wife, Madeline, gave birth to their first child in December 2024.{{cite web|title=Madeline Gaudreau Says Her Late Husband Matthew Was 'with Me the Whole Time' as She Welcomed Their Son 4 Months After His Death|url=https://people.com/matthew-gaudreau-says-late-husband-with-her-as-she-welcomed-baby-son-8705769|website=People|access-date=January 6, 2025}}

On the evening of August 29, 2024, Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck and killed by a drunk driver while they were cycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The Gaudreau brothers were both cycling at around 8 p.m. and were hit from the rear by a motorist who was attempting to pass other vehicles on a single-lane rural highway. Police responded to the incident at 8:19 p.m.; both brothers were found dead at the scene by the time police arrived.{{Cite news |date=August 30, 2024 |title=Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and brother Matthew, 29, killed after bicycles hit by car before sister's wedding |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/johnny-gaudreau-nhl-star-dies-at-31 |work=National Post|access-date=August 30, 2024}} The driver, 44-year-old Sean M. Higgins of Woodstown, was arrested for drunk driving and charged with death by auto, after telling responding officers at the scene that he had consumed "five or six" beers before driving and continued to consume alcohol while operating the car; he failed a breathalyzer test when administered by police, along with failing a field sobriety test.{{Cite web |last=Whyno |first=Stephen |date=August 30, 2024 |title=NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother have died after their bicycles were hit by a car |url=https://apnews.com/article/johnny-gaudreau-35de1641d040f02ecd83a9638e6aca32 |access-date=August 30, 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}} Both Gaudreau brothers were also legally intoxicated at the time of the collision.{{Cite web |last=Behrens |first=Cole |date=February 5, 2025 |title=Defense attorneys say Gaudreau brothers were drunk at time of fatal crash

|url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/crime/2025/02/05/johnny-gaudreau-matthew-drunk-crash-new-jersey-columbus-blue-jackets/78249888007/ |access-date=February 7, 2025 |website=The Columbus Dispatch |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Oliver |first=Kenn |date=February 5, 2025 |title=Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's blood alcohol levels higher than the driver who hit them: court docs

|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/world/johnny-gaudreau-and-matthew-blood-alcohol-levels |access-date=February 7, 2025 |website=National Post |language=en}} Rumours of the Gaudreaus' deaths began to circulate online the evening of the collision, but their deaths were not officially announced until the following morning.{{cite podcast |host=Lazaurs, Mark |others=With Aaron Portzline and Hailey Salvian |title=Remembering Johnny Gaudreau |website=The Athletic |date=August 30, 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/podcast/240-the-athletic-hockey-show/episode-861/ |access-date=September 2, 2024}} The brothers had traveled to the township to attend their sister Katie's wedding, which had been scheduled to take place the following day.{{Cite news |last=Casaletto |first=Lucas |date=August 30, 2024 |title=NHL winger Johnny Gaudreau, brother Matthew killed in accident |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2024/08/30/johnny-gaudreau-dead-nhl-brother-matthew-columbus-blue-jackets/ |work=CityNews Toronto |access-date=August 30, 2024}}{{cite news |url=https://www.fox29.com/news/2-cyclists-dead-after-crash-salem-county-reports.amp |title=NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, brother struck and killed by car while riding bikes in New Jersey |date=August 30, 2024 |work=Fox 29 Philadelphia |access-date=August 30, 2024}}

Several North American sports teams, popular figures, and organizations issued tributes in reaction to his death.{{cite news |last=Arunasalam |first=Samritha |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-hockey-johnny-gaudreau-dead-1.7309735 |title=Tributes pour in from across the hockey world after shocking deaths of Gaudreau brothers |date=August 30, 2024 |work=CBC News |access-date=August 30, 2024}} All 32 NHL teams issued statements in response to his death, alongside dozens of hockey players, athletes from other sports, and politicians, among them Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canadian Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, and former governor Chris Christie.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/aug/30/johnny-gaudreau-matthew-death-reactions-sports-world |title=LeBron James and sports world react to deaths of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and brother |date=August 30, 2024 |work=The Guardian |access-date=August 30, 2024|archive-date=August 31, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831022136/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/aug/30/johnny-gaudreau-matthew-death-reactions-sports-world|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last=Dougherty |first=Tom |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/johnny-matthew-gaudreau-death-new-jersey/ |title=Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau mourned by hockey community after New Jersey accident |date=August 30, 2024 |work=CBS News |access-date=August 30, 2024}} Makeshift fan memorials also developed outside Nationwide Arena and the Scotiabank Saddledome, the home arenas of the Blue Jackets and Flames, respectively, as well as at the scene of the collision and notable local community sites which had a connection to the Gaudreau family.{{cite news |last=Attfield |first=Paul |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/article-deaths-of-nhl-player-johnny-gaudreau-and-his-brother-matthew-prompt/ |title=Deaths of NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew prompt outpouring of grief |url-access=limited |date=August 30, 2024 |work=The Globe and Mail |access-date=August 30, 2024}} The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Columbus Crew both held moments of silence before their respective games on August 31, 2024.{{cite web |title=Columbus Crew and Ohio State hold moment of silence for Gaudreau brothers |url=https://www.abc6onyourside.com/sports/columbus-crew-sc/columbus-crew-honor-johnny-gaudreau-before-match |website=abc6 |date=August 31, 2024 |access-date=1 September 2024}} Similarly, the Calgary Stampeders held a 13-second moment of silence prior to their Canadian Football League (CFL) game on September 2.{{cite web |url=https://3downnation.com/2024/09/02/calgary-stampeders-pay-tribute-to-johnny-gaudreau-at-labour-day-classic/ |title=Calgary Stampeders pay tribute to Johnny Gaudreau at Labour Day Classic |date=Sep 2, 2024 |access-date=Sep 3, 2024 |website=3DownNation}}

On September 3, fellow American NHLer and U.S. national teammate Cole Caufield announced that he would be switching his jersey number from 22 to 13 beginning in the 2024–25 season in honor of Gaudreau, citing him as an inspiration early into his hockey career owing to his own short stature.{{cite web |last=Basu |first=Arpon |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5743396/2024/09/03/cole-caufield-johnny-gaudreau-jersey/ |title=Canadiens' Cole Caufield to wear No. 13 in honor of Johnny Gaudreau |work=The Athletic |date=September 3, 2024 |access-date=September 3, 2024}}

Both the Blue Jackets and Flames held candlelight vigils at their respective arenas on September 4; the former saw speeches from multiple players, including Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner, Calgary and Columbus teammate Erik Gudbranson, and Cole Sillinger, with those gathered observing 13 minutes and 21 seconds of silence, in reference to Johnny's jersey no. 13 and Matthew's jersey no. 21.{{cite web |date=September 4, 2024 |others=Associated Press |title=Blue Jackets fans, players mourn Johnny, Matthew Gaudreau at vigil |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/41128027 |access-date=September 5, 2024 |website=ESPN.com |agency=The Associated Press}} The Flames' vigil involved a similar 13 minutes of silence, marking the beginning of a 13-day observance at the makeshift Saddledome memorial, as well as speeches from Flames captain Mikael Backlund and Hockey Hall of Famer Lanny McDonald.{{cite web |last1=Pedersen |first1=Kylee |last2=Chini |first2=Joey |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/gaudreau-brothers-vigil-saddledome-1.7312999 |title='Always meant to be legendary': Emotional vigil for Gaudreau brothers in Calgary draws hundreds |website=CBC News |date=September 4, 2024 |access-date=September 5, 2024}} On September 9, a funeral service for the Gaudreau brothers was held at St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Media, Pennsylvania. Johnny's former Calgary teammates, Sean Monahan and Andrew Mangiapane, and former Boston College teammate Kevin Hayes, served as his pallbearers.{{Cite web |last=Fitz-Gibbon |first=Jorge |date=September 9, 2024|title=Tearful mourners gather for funeral of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau after drunk driving tragedy |url=https://nypost.com/2024/09/09/sports/side-by-side-caskets-for-hockeys-john-and-matthew-gaudreau/ |access-date=2024-09-10 |language=en-US}} On October 15, the Blue Jackets' opening home game of the season, the team "saved a spot for Johnny," operating a missing man formation by starting without a left winger and passing the puck to the empty spot as they observed 13 seconds of silence. The game also included a charity fundraiser, a tribute video, a memorial banner featuring his no. 13 being raised to the Nationwide Arena rafters, and a PSA against drunk driving.{{Cite news |last1=Calavario |first1=Liz |last2=Varma-White |first2=Kavita |date=October 15, 2024 |title=Johnny Gaudreau and brother Matthew honored at Blue Jackets home opener |url=https://www.today.com/today/rcna175576 |access-date=October 16, 2024 |work=Today}} The Gaudreau brothers' widows, Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau, then created The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation{{cite web|title=Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau widows announce foundation to honor late husbands|url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/2025/03/19/johnny-matthew-gaudreau-brothers-foundation-youth-hockey-charity/82547397007/|website=The Columbus Dispatch|access-date=March 19, 2025}} to honor their husbands' legacies. The foundation's mission is to "promote and expand youth hockey opportunities, help hockey families facing tragedies, as well as help families that are, unfortunately, also affected by drunk driving, like ours."{{cite web|title=Honoring the Legacy of John and Matty|url=https://www.johnandmatty.org/|website=The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation}}

On September 13, 2024, the driver was ordered to remain in jail.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5765332/2024/09/13/johnny-gaudreau-crash-suspect-jail/|title=Man charged in deaths of Johnny, Matthew Gaudreau to stay in jail as case plays out|first=Halley|last=Salvian|work=The Athletic|date=September 13, 2024|accessdate=September 14, 2024}} He was officially indicted on December 11, 2024,{{cite news|first=Jacob|last=Lev|url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/11/sport/grand-jury-indicts-gaudreau-spt/index.html|title=Grand jury indicts alleged driver following deaths of NHL star and brother |publisher=CNN|date=December 11, 2024|accessdate=December 13, 2024}} and pled not guilty at his arraignment on January 7, 2025.{{cite web |last=Bruner |first=Bethany |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/courts/2025/01/07/driver-in-johnny-matthew-gaudreau-crash-to-have-first-2025-court-appearance-sean-higgins-new-jersey/77432372007/ |title=Driver charged in Blue Jackets' Johnny Gaudreau's death rejects plea deal |work=The Columbus Dispatch |date=January 7, 2025 |access-date=January 8, 2025}} The defense filed a motion to dismiss the charges on February 5, 2025, in part based on "failure to present a prima facie case."{{cite web |last=Hunt |first=Stephen |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/article/lawyers-for-defendant-in-gaudreau-deaths-file-motion-to-dismiss-charges/ |title=Lawyers for defendant in Gaudreau deaths file motion to dismiss charges |work=CTV News |date=February 5, 2025 |access-date=February 7, 2025}} On April 15, the charges were upheld by the judge preceding over the case.{{cite web | last=Salvian | first=Hailey | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6281368/2025/04/15/johnny-gaudrea-dismiss-charges-denied-trial/ | title=Motion to dismiss several charges against man accused of killing Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau denied | work=The Athletic | date=April 15, 2025| access-date=May 18, 2025}}

During both the 4 Nations Face-Off and 2025 IIHF World Championship, Gaudreau was honored by the U.S team, who he had played for multiple times. For the 4 Nations Face-Off, Gaudreau was honored with his own locker in the stall, hanging with his jersey, which was awarded to the player of the game for the team's wins.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-14 |title=U.S. honors Gaudreau’s legacy in 'great way' after opening 4 Nations win {{!}} NHL.com |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/4-nations-face-off/usa-honors-johnny-gaudreau-legacy-in-great-way-after-win |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=www.nhl.com |language=en}} Before the final against Canada, Mike Eruzione, who was named an honorary captain, came out in a Gaudreau jersey.{{Cite web |date=2025-02-21 |title=Eruzione wears Gaudreau jersey as honorary U.S. captain for 4 Nations Face-Off final {{!}} NHL.com |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/topic/short-shifts/mike-eruzione-wears-gaudreau-jersey-at-4-nations-face-off-final |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=www.nhl.com |language=en}} During the 2025 IIHF World Championship, the team also carried a Gaudreau jersey with them. After winning their first gold medal in 92 years at the World Championships, the team brought out Gaudreau's jersey, accepting the trophy with it in hand.{{Cite web |title=USA wins gold at 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship after beating Switzerland |url=https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/usa-wins-gold-at-2025-iihf-mens-world-championship-thompson-nazar-werenski-genoni |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=Daily Faceoff |language=en}}

Career statistics derived from Elite Prospects.{{cite web |title=Johnny Gaudreau |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/88391/johnny-gaudreau |website=Elite Prospects |access-date=August 30, 2024 }}

• List of ice hockey players who died during their careers

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• {{Ice hockey stats}}
• {{IMDb name|3539629}}

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{{succession box | before = Cam Atkinson | title = William Flynn Tournament Most Valuable Player | years = 2012 | after = Connor Hellebuyck}}

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{{s-ttl|title=Hockey East Player of the Year|years=2012–13, 2013–14}}

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{{succession box | before = Anže Kopitar | title = Lady Byng Memorial Trophy | years = 2017 | after = William Karlsson}}

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Category:1993 births

Category:2024 deaths

Category:21st-century American sportsmen

Category:AHCA Division I men's ice hockey All-Americans

Category:American expatriate ice hockey players in Canada

Category:American men's ice hockey left wingers

Category:Boston College Eagles men's ice hockey players

Category:Calgary Flames draft picks

Category:Calgary Flames players

Category:Columbus Blue Jackets players

Category:Cycling road incident deaths

Category:Dubuque Fighting Saints players

Category:Gloucester Catholic High School alumni

Category:Hobey Baker Award winners

Category:Ice hockey players from New Jersey

Category:Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winners

Category:National Hockey League All-Stars

Category:People from Carneys Point Township, New Jersey

Category:Sportspeople from Salem, New Jersey

Category:Road incident deaths in New Jersey

Category:USA Hockey National Team Development Program players

Category:NCAA men's ice hockey national champions