NEW YORK (August 30, 2024) – NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued a heartfelt statement following the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew.

“The National Hockey League family is deeply shocked and profoundly saddened by the untimely loss of Johnny Gaudreau, a true icon of our sport, and his brother Matthew. Known affectionately as ‘Johnny Hockey,’ Johnny’s electrifying presence on the ice and his passion for the game made him a fan favorite and an inspiration to many. But beyond his remarkable talent, he was a devoted father, loving husband, cherished son, brother, and teammate who left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

“Johnny often reminisced about how his father taught him to skate in New Jersey, a memory that fueled his lifelong love for hockey. His passion was evident throughout his 11 seasons in the NHL, where he dazzled fans with his playmaking abilities and was selected for the NHL All-Star Game seven times, excelling particularly in the skills competitions that showcased his unique talent.

“Johnny’s legacy will forever be remembered in Calgary, where he spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Flames, becoming one of the franchise’s all-time greats. His impact extended to Columbus, where he chose to raise his family and became a respected leader in the Blue Jackets’ pursuit of playoff success. The loss of both Johnny and Matthew will also be deeply felt at Boston College, where they played together, and at Gloucester Catholic High School, where Matthew was not only a coach but also a mentor to many young players.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Johnny’s wife, Meredith; their children, Noa and Johnny; his parents, Guy and Jane; and his sisters, Kristen and Katie. We share in the grief of his teammates, the Blue Jackets and Flames organizations, his many friends in the hockey community, and the countless fans who were touched by his incredible career and unforgettable personality.”