The Legend of Johnny Hockey

This wasn't supposed to be my first NHL story with the season closing in.

So we all heard the news on the evening of August 29, 2024, and sadly, it became official on the following morning. On that night, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, were killed while riding their bikes in their home state of New Jersey--a drunk driver took both of their lives. Two lives robbed from us at such young ages--Johnny was only 31, while Matthew was 29. The brothers were at their home state celebrating the wedding of their sister, Katie, but sadly, what was supposed to be a night of joy is marred by a heartbreaking family tragedy.

Both brothers were hockey players, though Matthew was in the minors and hadn't played in the NHL--I'd like to believe that he was on his way to the big leagues; something tells me he had that same gift that Johnny had. Johnny was an absolute marvel for sure. Born John Michael Gaudreau in Salem, New Jersey on August 13, 1993, Gaudreau played in the USHL and played college hockey in Boston College, before being drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 4th round of the 2011 NHL Draft.

Gaudreau's NHL debut came in the Flames' last game of the 2013-14 season, and he would score his first career NHL goal in that game against the Vancouver Canucks. His first full year, 2014-15, saw the nicknamed "Johnny Hockey" rack up 64 points (24 G/40 A) in 80 games, and also receive his first taste of the playoffs. In 11 playoff games, Gaudreau had nine points (4 G/5 A), and he ended the season as a candidate for the Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year).

Johnny Hockey's legend grew as his time in Calgary progressed. He basically became a superstar on a team that didn't have a lot of them in their franchise history. How well do I remember his 2018-19 campaign, which saw him rack up 99 points--a career high at that time. Gaudreau's efforts led to the Flames finishing with the best record in the Western Conference. Unfortunately for the Flames, they were ousted in the opening round by the Colorado Avalanche, and that series saw Gaudreau completely shut down--only one assist in the five game series. The following year was the COVID-hampered 2019-20 season that saw the Flames qualify for the modified 24-team playoffs. The Flames defeated the Jets in the Qualifying Round, but ended up defeated in Round 1 by the Dallas Stars. Gaudreau did fare better inside the Edmonton bubble--7 points (4 G/3 A) in 10 playoff games.

After missing the playoffs in the shortened 2020-21 season, 2021-22 saw the Flames finish first in the Pacific once again. For Gaudreau, it was a career year. 40 goals, 75 assists, 115 points--all career highs. Calgary faced off against the Dallas Stars in the opening round, a series that went seven games, with Game Seven going to overtime.

Jake Oettinger was stopping everything, but he could not stop Johnny Hockey's shot from getting past him at the 15:09 mark of overtime. That goal sent the Flames to Round 2 and a meeting with their provincial rivals, the Edmonton Oilers. It did not end well for the Flames, but Gaudreau had a postseason for the ages. 14 points, only three of them were goals, but one of those three was a big time clutch Game 7 OT winner.

That goal, however, would be his last great act with the Flames.

After Calgary's ousting, talk regarding where Gaudreau would end up next increased big time. That year was his last under his deal with the Flames, and he was not expected to return. Rumors spread like wildfire, with Gaudreau drawing interest from the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Islanders. It was also expected that Gaudreau would head home to play for the New Jersey Devils. Despite this, Gaudreau chose--chose--to sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets; signing a seven-year deal worth $68.25 million.

The signing was a huge shocker in the hockey world. Usually players ended up traded to Columbus, but no one really opts to go there, especially player like Johnny Hockey. Gaudreau's numbers started to suffer during his time with Columbus. He played full seasons, but the stats just weren't there. Even so, Gaudreau was pretty much set to be the main face of that Blue Jackets franchise, but sadly, tragedy struck.

I feel blessed as a hockey fan to have watched Johnny Gaudreau in action, and it's heartbreaking that we would never see both brothers in the league together. Johnny Hockey was my favorite player on the Flames, and I absolutely loved seeing him play--he was an absolute force on the ice. Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau will be sorely missed, and we hockey fans will forever remember and relive Johnny Hockey's greatest hits.