Less than a year ago, on August 29, the NHL community suffered an immeasurable loss in a tragic road accident. Tragedy took two invaluable lives too soon, but people will never forget their legacy. The passing of Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau has left an indelible void—not just in the hearts of their family but in every corner of the NHL. Some knew them as teammates, some as friends, and others as fierce opponents with an unmatched ability to handle the puck. But no matter the connection, one thing was certain—the Gaudreau brothers played a role larger than life in the league.

Since their passing, the NHL, its players, and its teams have consistently found ways to honor their memory, strengthening the Gaudreau family’s ties to the league more than ever. The New Jersey Devils were no exception. They knew they couldn’t let their opportunity to pay tribute slip away. In a heartfelt and lasting tribute, the Devils have established a prestigious new honor—the “Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Most Valuable Player Award”—dedicated to recognizing outstanding college hockey players. The franchise announced the award on Instagram, and we can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate the brothers’ enduring impact on the game.

“As part of today’s NJSIAA High School Championships, one player from each state final matchup will receive the newly-created Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Most Valuable Player Award, 2025,” the franchise announced Monday.

Tributes to the brothers have been displayed in one form or the other by the hockey fraternity. Not too long ago, Team USA fondly dedicated their wins to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. In the NHL, a recent match turned into a heartwarming parade of all things that Johnny and Matthew embodied, their purpose with their lives and in their time on the ice. The match was between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Detroit Red Wings, in which the Blue Jackets entered in an uniform ensemble look complete with boots and sweatshirts that Johnny Gaudreau would have casually rocked in.

On the other hand, the Red Wings all wore the jerseys of Johnny from when he played for Boston in the NCAA championships to his stint with the Dubuque Fighting Saints prior to the NHL. While people continue to honor the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner and Seven-time NHL All-star forever, the Devils went one step further to imprint the Gaudreau brothers in the echelons of hockey history by founding an award in their names to commemorate the prodigies and achievers in hockey at the collegiate level.

If you’re wondering why the New Jersey Devils would invest such extraordinary effort to celebrate the lives of the Gaudreau brothers though they were never players for the franchise, here is the reason: They were both from the city of New Jersey. So, the organization announced in October that they will be conferring the Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Most Valuable Player Award in 2025. And since we’re talking about it, officials have announced the inaugural list of awardees.

Recipients announced for the Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau MVP award

In October 2024, New Jersey announced the proposal. And here we are. This year marks the inaugural of the Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Most Valuable Player Award, and officials have announced the winners from each state. The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association has revealed this list. 

The first name on paper is Aidan Wilson from the Westfield state hockey team. This senior forward has been in Monday’s final against Ridgewood in a 2-5 game. The Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Most Valuable Player Award 2025 will honor the forward who has amassed 23 goals this season.

Apart from him, Jack Gerne of Delbarton is another player who has been in the final against the New Jersey Non-Public State. In the final of the state hockey game, Delbarton won 1-5. Talking about the MVP award, Gerne said, “It’s an honor. I have to thank my teammates for putting me in spots. It’s been a battle all year.”

Braydon Sisco from KJS United will be the third player to get the MVP award. When his name was announced, Braydon said, “It’s an honor to win the MVP. Getting named after the Gaudreau brothers and being able to represent them, it’s an unreal achievement and one I’ll remember for the rest of my life.” He was part of the Marlboro-Holmdel vs KJS United game where KJS United won 4-3. 

Another name on the list is Brynn Dandy from Princeton Day. The college won the state final against Immaculate Heart. She is a junior forward and reacted, “I was genuinely speechless” when he learned about receiving the Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Most Valuable Player Award. The award gives an initial boost to these players as they must be aiming for the big leagues. And no wonder that in the honor of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, the NHL will continue to motivate intrepid hockey players like the Gaudreau brothers and their legacy.