10 Essential Things to Know About the Late NHL Star and Beloved ‘Johnny Hockey’

Johnny Gaudreau, the electrifying winger whose dazzling skill and infectious personality made him a fan favorite in Calgary and Columbus, tragically died at age 31 on August 29, 2024, along with his brother Matthew Gaudreau in a bicycle accident in Salem Township, New Jersey. Nearly 18 months later, as the NHL community continues to honor his memory during the 2025-26 season, here are 10 key facts about the player known as “Johnny Hockey” whose legacy endures on and off the ice.

1. Born November 13, 1992, in Salem, New Jersey John Michael Gaudreau grew up in the small town of Oldmans Township, New Jersey, where he developed his hockey skills on outdoor rinks and local ponds. He credited his father Guy and mother Jane for fostering his love of the game from an early age.
2. Overcame Size Doubts to Become an NHL Star At 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, Gaudreau was considered too small for the NHL. Scouts overlooked him despite dominant junior and college performances. He proved them wrong, winning the Hobey Baker Award (top U.S. college player) in 2014 at Boston College and earning NHL success through elite skating, vision and puck control.
3. Drafted 149th Overall by Calgary in 2011 The Flames selected Gaudreau in the fourth round, a steal that became one of the best late-round picks in league history. He debuted in 2014 and quickly emerged as Calgary’s offensive leader.
4. Calgary Flames Icon (2014-2022) Gaudreau spent his first eight NHL seasons with the Flames, recording 609 points (210 goals, 399 assists) in 634 games. He led the team in scoring five times, earned three All-Star berths and helped Calgary reach the playoffs five times. His chemistry with Sean Monahan and Matthew Tkachuk formed one of the league’s most dynamic lines.
5. Signed Landmark Deal with Columbus in 2022 In July 2022, Gaudreau chose free agency over re-signing in Calgary, accepting a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Blue Jackets. The move shocked fans in Alberta but reflected his desire for a fresh start closer to family in New Jersey.
6. Consistent 60-Plus Point Producer Gaudreau recorded six consecutive 60-point seasons from 2016-17 through 2021-22, peaking with 115 points (40G-75A) in 2021-22 — second in the NHL. He maintained elite production in Columbus, posting 74 points in 2022-23 and 80 points in 2023-24 despite playing on a rebuilding team.
7. Olympic and International Experience Gaudreau represented the United States at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, where he tallied four points in five games. He also played for Team USA at the 2017 World Championship and multiple junior tournaments.
8. Family Man and Devoted Husband/Father Gaudreau married Meredith Davis in September 2022. Their daughter Noa was born in September 2023, and Meredith was pregnant with their second child at the time of his passing. He frequently shared family moments on social media and prioritized time at home.
9. Tragic Death Shocked the Hockey World On August 29, 2024, Johnny and his brother Matthew (29) were killed when a suspected impaired driver struck them while they were riding bicycles in Salem County, New Jersey. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, 43, was charged with two counts of death by auto. The NHL, Flames, Blue Jackets and countless players mourned the loss, with tributes pouring in from across the league.
10. Lasting Legacy and Memorials Columbus retired Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey in a pregame ceremony on November 30, 2024. Calgary honored him with a statue unveiling outside Scotiabank Saddledome on March 1, 2025, depicting him in his signature celebration pose. The NHL Players’ Association established the Johnny Gaudreau Family Fund to support families affected by sudden loss. His wife Meredith and daughter Noa continue to be supported by the hockey community.

Johnny Gaudreau’s career was defined by joy, skill and humility. He played with a smile, danced through defenders and made the game look effortless. His passing left a void felt from Calgary to Columbus and beyond, but his spirit lives on in every highlight-reel goal and every young player inspired by a 5-foot-9 underdog who proved size never mattered.