Columbus Blue Jackets say Johnny Gaudreau has died

The Columbus Blue Jackets say forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew have died.

The NHL team confirmed their deaths on the social media site X, but did not release any additional information, saying only that it is “shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy.”

The team says Johnny Gaudreau played hockey “with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice,” and had a profound impact on the team and the sport overall.

It says he made an “indelible impression” on everyone who knew him.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman releases a statement following the passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and former Bridgeport Sound Tigers forward Matthew Gaudreau. pic.twitter.com/UBGgLr4Xlm

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 30, 2024

Gaudreau played with the Calgary Flames for his first eight seasons of professional hockey out of Boston College before signing a seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets in 2022.

At the time, he called leaving the Flames “the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Aug. 30, 2024.

The Canadian Press