Confirmed: NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau and His Brother Were Killed in a New Jersey Accident

The rumor raced around social media throughout the night with no solid confirmation arriving until this morning, but tragically NHL star of the Columbus Blue Jackets Johnny Gaudreau was killed in an automobile incident last night. The incident reports came out at 8:30 pm on August 29, but the victims were not immediately named. However, by late evening the rumor that this involved Gaudreau began circulating, with no official word being delivered until this morning.

Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, a 29-year-old former player, were struck by a car while riding their bicycles in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. This location sent a bit of a chill through the hockey fan base as it took place not far from the home of their parents, where they grew up in Salem County. The driver was reported to have remained on scene and is charged with allegedly driving under the influence.

Gaudreau was a legitimate star in the NHL, a smaller offensive player with sharp hands and a deeply respected hockey sense. Preparing for his twelfth season Gaudreau had been a regular figure in the mid-season All-Star Game. Dubbed “Johnny Hockey” by many (despite his birth name being only John), unlike the braggadocious way “Johnny Football” was promoted by college washout quarterback Johnny Manziel, Gaudreau earned this moniker through impressive play and a quiet demeanor. He showed this brilliance very early on in life.

Johnny Gaudreau at 8 years old (Brick Tournament). pic.twitter.com/loeSOTos3L
— Pavel Barber (@HeyBarber) August 20, 2022

I became very familiar with Gaudreau during his college years as he played for the chief rival of my favorite, Boston University. He drew attention at 17 playing in the USHL, earning many honors that year and the Calgary Flames drafted the smaller forward in the fourth round, who at only 5’9” and around 150 pounds was a bit of a gamble. Gaudreau chose to skate in college for the Boston College Eagles and was an instant standout. His first year he earned 44 points in as many games and scored a goal during the NCAA Final, where the Eagles became National Champions.

He blossomed further in his second year, and while it was suspected he would then turn pro after John opted to remain in school to skate with his brother Matthew who made the team. His junior year saw Gaudreau become a phenom; he went on a 31-game point streak and finished with 39 goals on the season and a 2-point-per-game average. This led to him winning the Hobey Baker Award as the nation’s top player. As much as you wanted to resent him for playing on a rival you could not help but respect the skills he displayed.

The definitive Johnny Gaudreau forever young hockey moment. 12 years ago. He's 18 years old. Ices the 2012 NCAA Championship game. Comically quick feet, hands, and brain. His comp for me was always Allen Iverson--I covered both in college. Impossibly small and skinny (JG MIGHT be… pic.twitter.com/dMe7WY2gtZ
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) August 30, 2024

Gaudreau technically played nine seasons in Calgary, making his NHL debut in the final game of the 2013-14 season, immediately after the conclusion of the NCAA schedule that year. He delivered on his promise by scoring a goal on his first shot of his professional career. During his eight full seasons in Calgary, he was an all-star six times and played on one of the most explosive lines seen in the game. Matched up with Matthew Tkachuk and Elias Linstrom, all three players reached 40 goals for the season, a rare feat for an offensive line.

After the 2022 season the unrestricted free agent made the surprise decision to sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets, becoming an all-star yet again. As a pro he has nearly earned a point per game in his career while displaying a consistent level of skill as one of the top American skaters in the league. Matthew capped off a 5 year minor league career by stepping off the ice and coaching at the high school where he and John attended.

More importantly, John was married to Meredith Gaudreau and together had two sons, Noa and Johnny. He was deeply respected anywhere he played, as shown by the management of the Flames, who honored him even as he, in the minds of many, was fleeing the team. He was the player you watched while playing on the opponents’ bench, but resentment was never a factor. Skill and class was his trademark.

There will be stick taps sent out all weekend, and the deepest prayers go out to the family over this tragic loss of Johnny and Matthew.