Johnny Gaudreau lives on… Last August, the hockey world lost one of its brightest stars. Johnny Gaudreau, the beloved “Johnny Hockey,” and his brother Matthew were involved in a fatal accident while cycling on a New Jersey road. The timing made it even more gut-wrenching—the brothers were just hours away from standing by their sister’s side on her wedding day.

His team The Columbus Blue Jackets, described it as “unimaginable” in a touching post on its official page in August. The news shocked the fans, teammates, and the whole hockey community. But memories of Johnny Hockey still linger, and the Columbus Blue Jackets plan on celebrating those memories in the most spectacular fashion.

Adam King, 10TV Sports Anchor/Reporter, hit up X on February 28 with some heartfelt news, sharing, “It was just announced here that the Gaudreau family will lead the Blue Jackets out of the tunnel tomorrow for the Stadium Series. Will be another truly special moment to remember the Legacy of Johnny Hockey in front of 90,000 fans.”

Talk about a fitting tribute! The Blue Jackets are gearing up for an epic outdoor showdown against the Red Wings on Saturday at Ohio Stadium (6 p.m.), and this one’s gonna be emotional. The Gaudreau brothers and their family will be honored during the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series, making it a night to remember.

From his college days at Boston College, where he dominated and won the Hobey Baker Award to his 11-year-long NHL career, each moment of “Johnny Hockey” was a spectacle to watch. Selected by the Flames in 2011, he dazzled the league with his speed, skill, and playmaking to earn a place in the All-Rookie team and was even nominated for the Calder Trophy. But we cannot ignore the fact that he won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2017—because Johnny didn’t just play hard, he played with heart.

But Johnny Gaudreau will be remembered for more than his hockey skills and accolades. Hockey reporter Dave Maetzold described him as “the most modest superstar you’d ever want to meet” and a “likable guy who was reluctantly in the spotlight.” Besides, growing up in a tight-knit family himself, he made sure that he was the best father to his children and loving husband to his wife. He was well and truly a good human being, and the NHL community has made sure, time and again, to show him the love and respect he deserves.

NHL community keeps Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy alive!

Several months ago, two tour buses arrived at Saint Mary Magdalene Church in Pennsylvania with passengers who bore the pain of heartbreak. One bus held the Blue Jackets while the other held the Calgary Flames, both teams joining to support Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau. At that time, the rivalry between the two teams was put aside. No sticks, no pucks, only tears, and embraces on the ice as players, coaches, and staff members hugged each other.

Days later, that same brotherhood was put to the ice when both the Blue Jackets and Flames were set to play in Columbus. No grand tributes, no special ceremonies—just hockey in its rawest form. One could sense it – his energy, his passion, the tradition that remains immortal. Several days later, in Calgary, where Johnny Gaudreau had mesmerized the audience for almost a decade, his family was reunited once again, immersed in the atmosphere of the city that remains close to him. And just when hearts needed a little warmth, Nationwide Arena turned into a chorus of love.

During a Blue Jackets-Blackhawks match a few days ago, the spectators began to sing happy birthday not to a player, but to Johnny’s little boy. “Baby Johnny” was sitting in the stands with his mom, and thousands of fans were singing, it was a moment of love surrounded by a sea of hockey hearts. Even across the border at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Johnny’s spirit was present—his number 13 was there in the U.S. locker room worn by Mike Eruzione who was declared an honorary captain of the team, his name was on the lips of the American fans. Because legends like Johnny Gaudreau? They never really leave.