‘Completely gutted’: Hockey world reacts to the passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

On Friday morning, police sources confirmed to Daily Faceoff that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau, along with his brother Matthew, were killed after being struck by a vehicle while riding their bicycles in Salem County, N.J, outside of Philadelphia. Police say the accident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, with an investigation ongoing.

Johnny was 31, and Matthew was 29.

Since then, the hockey world has taken to the public forum to show support and remember the former Boston College teammates.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman released a statement on Friday, explaining Gaudreau’s impact on the game was a small part of who he was.

“While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game,” Bettman explained in a statement, “And show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a doting father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to every person fortunate enough to have crossed his path.”

Ohio governor Mike DeWine, along with his wife, Fran, offered their condolences to the Gaudreau family.

“Fran and I offer our deepest condolences to the family of the Blue Jackets’ Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” DeWine wrote. “Our thoughts are also with the entire Blue Jackets organization as they mourn the loss of one of their own.”

The Gaudreaus grew up fans of the Philadelphia Flyers, and Johnny had many opportunities to play against the Flyers. Longtime broadcaster Jim Jackson took to X, showing further support for Johnny and Matthew’s family.

“This is beyond tragic,” Jackson wrote. “Normally, I try to put things into perspective. This I cannot. It’s crushing. Prayers to the entire Gaudreau family. RIP Johnny and Matty.”

As news spread of the unspeakable tragedy Friday morning, other players, former teammates and members of the hockey community came forward to express their grief.

Johnny Gaudreau’s NHL team, the Columbus Blue Jackets:

Gaudreau’s previous NHL team, the Calgary Flames:

Current Toronto Maple Leafs GM, and former Flames GM, Brad Treliving:

Former Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen, who signed Gaudreau in 2022:

NHL Players’ Association executive director, Marty Walsh:

Calgary Flames forward Blake Coleman:

Former teammate Eddie Lack:

NBA superstar and Ohio-born LeBron James also expressed his sorrow:

MLB superstar, and fellow New Jersey native, Mike Trout:

Former Flames president of hockey operations, Brian Burke:

Gaudreau is survived by his wife, Meredith, his two young children, Noa and Johnny, as well has his parents, Guy and Jane, and sisters Kristen and Katie.