Insides As Matthew Tkachuk Makes Honest Emotional Comments On The Passing Of Johnny Gaudreau

NHL training camps kicked off today, under the shadow of the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, which is still fresh in everyone’s minds.

Several star players shared their thoughts on Johnny Gaudreau, with Matthew Tkachuk providing a particularly poignant response. Tkachuk, visibly emotional, reflected on his bond with Johnny and his impact on hockey, expressing gratitude for the time they spent as teammates in Calgary.

“Despite all the wonderful things that happened this summer, they feel overshadowed by recent events. The past couple of weeks have been incredibly difficult. It’s the saddest news I’ve ever encountered. Attending the service was heartbreaking. Johnny was one of my favorite teammates, such a great friend… I’ll cherish memories of him forever. My thoughts are with his parents, Meredith, and the kids during this tough time. That week and the funeral were incredibly hard. He will always be with us… His legacy will endure. I’ll carry my memories of him always.”

• Matthew Tkachuk

The Gaudreau brothers were sadly involved in an incident with a suspected drunk driver on August 29, the day before their sister’s wedding. The entire hockey community is mourning their loss, with fans creating memorials at arenas and players like Tkachuk openly expressing their grief.

In response to this tragedy, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced they will honor Gaudreau throughout the season. They will hold moments of silence during their first games, wear a commemorative helmet patch during the preseason, and in the regular season, the team will wear a patch featuring number 13 on their jerseys to remember Johnny. Additionally, they will keep Gaudreau’s locker set up for the season.

These heartfelt tributes from the Blue Jackets highlight the profound unity within the hockey community, underscoring the impact of the Gaudreau brothers that will be remembered by all.