It was a heartbreaking day when the NHL lost Johnny Gaudreau last August. It’s been over six months since the tragedy, yet none of us can fully move on. The news has resurfaced once again with a new update regarding the Gaudreau family, bringing fresh emotions to the surface. And this time, it comes with a special tribute.

In memory of the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey player, his uncle was invited by the Toronto Maple Leafs’ management to attend an ice session with the head members. A Sportsnet writer confirmed the news: “Jim Gaudreau, Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s uncle, grew close with Brad Treliving. Leafs management invited him to take in morning skate with them in Boston today.”

Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother, Matthew, tragically lost their lives in an accident a day before their sister’s wedding. They were struck by an alleged drunk driver while riding their bicycles near their childhood hometown in Carneys Point, New Jersey. The driver, aged 43, was later charged after a court hearing revealed he had a blood alcohol level of .087, which is above the legal limit in the state.

Months after the death of their All-Star, Johnny’s former team, the Calgary Flames, paid tribute to him. Moments before their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team invited members of the Gaudreau family, including his parents, sisters, wife Meredith, and two children. His widow, still mourning, recalled how happy Johnny Gaudreau was at the birth of their child.

Following the Flames’ tribute, his second team, the Columbus Blue Jackets, also honored him. Before the start of their October 15, 2024 game against the Florida Panthers, the team, in the presence of the Gaudreau family, held a special ceremony and raised a No. 13 banner in his memory. Additionally, the team observed 13 seconds of silence and displayed a video tribute celebrating his career and contributions to the franchise. A fitting send-off for a player who gave his all on the ice.

Johnny Gaudreau, who spent parts of nine seasons with the Calgary Flames, ranks fifth on the franchise’s all-time scoring list with over 210 goals and 399 assists in a total of 602 games. For the 2022–24 seasons, he was part of the Columbus Blue Jackets, playing a total of 161 games and scoring 134 points, including 33 goals. He was known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and was selected to multiple NHL All-Star games throughout his career. But beyond the stats, his legacy lives on in a way that’s even more personal.

NHL community celebrates Johnny Gaudreau Jr.’s birthday

Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy lives on among hockey fans. Though not physically present, he remains in their hearts. Recently, the NHL community marked his son’s birthday in a special way. During the February 22 game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Chicago Blackhawks in Ohio, fans of Gaudreau’s former team came together to sing “Happy Birthday” to his young son.

Seated alongside his mother, Meredith, Gaudreau Jr. was taken by surprise at this heartfelt gesture, with the entire crowd applauding. A few moments later, the little boy joined in as well, melting the hearts of fans. Dressed in a blue sweatshirt, he offered a touching reminder of his father.

Losing Johnny Gaudreau at the young age of 31 was a devastating blow to the hockey world. As he was heading into his second season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, his promising tenure was tragically cut short. Though circumstances did not allow for his career to continue, his impact on the sport is undeniable. His career achievements alone speak to his prominence, ensuring that his memory will endure in the hearts of hockey fans everywhere.