The NHL world was faced with a devastating loss on Friday morning when the league announced the tragic passing of star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. The pair, in New Jersey to be groomsmen at their sister’s wedding, were struck by a suspected drunk driver as they biked on County Route 551 in Oldmans Township.
The Washington Capitals, as an organization, were one of many around the league to issue a statement.
The team wrote on social media:
The Washington Capitals organization stands with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the hockey community as we send our deepest condolences and mourn the tragic passion of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
Our hearts ache for the entire Gaudreau family and the Columbus Blue Jackets organization during this incredibly difficult time.
Many Capitals players were rocked by the news and took to their Instagrams to share their grief and send condolences to the Gaudreau family. Notably, four players in the Capitals organization were teammates with Gaudreau in the past.
Andrew Mangiapane, who the Capitals traded for over the summer, was perhaps the closest to Gaudreau after playing five seasons with the seven-time All-Star as a member of the Calgary Flames. Mangiapane shared five photos of himself with Gaudreau, both on the ice and off of it.
“There are no words, we’re all going to miss you,” Mangiapane wrote. “Love you little guy. ❤️”
Most recently, Ryan Leonard and Charlie Lindgren were Gaudreau’s teammates internationally at the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Czechia. During the tournament, Gaudreau became the United States’ all-time leading point-scorer (43). The US was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Czechia — the eventual winner of the tournament.
Leonard, who currently attends Boston College, Gaudreau’s alma mater, posted a photo on his Instagram Story standing with Johnny Hockey as the American flag was raised to the rafters. “RIP ❤️,” Leonard wrote on the photo.
Lindgren shared a black and white photo of Gaudreau, writing “RIP 🙏 Praying for the Gaudreau’s.”
Capitals defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk also played with Gaudreau as a member of the United States’ 2017 World Championship team.
Past and present players from the Capitals’ organization shared many other notable remembrances.
“Thoughts and prayers to the Gaudreau family,” TJ Oshie wrote.
Sam Anas, a member of the Hershey Bears’ 2023 Calder Cup championship team currently playing for the KHL’s Dinamo Minsk, credited Gaudreau as an inspirational player.
“Johnny truly carved a path for “small” guys in the hockey world,” Anas said. “I went from playing against him in squirts, to idolizing his game. Johnny Hockey will live on forever.”
Former Capitals draft pick, Riley Barber, became an admirer of Gaudreau’s when they played together on the same USHL team, the Dubuque Fighting Saints, during the 2010-11 season. They’d go on to win gold together on the United States’ 2013 U20 World Junior Championship team.
“Johnny, I’m going to miss you brother, I remember meeting you my first day in Dubuque at 16,” Barber said. “We were both away from home for the first time. My dad looked at me and said “whose little brother is that?” I said dad, that’s Johnny!! He’s the best player I’ve ever seen and he’s on our team. You were so good you didn’t even have to tie your skates. Rest easy.”
Hockey Hall of Famer and former Capitals goaltender, Henrik Lundqvist, shared his disbelief. As a member of the New York Rangers, Lundqvist defended the net against Gaudreau during his finest seasons in the NHL.
“Hard to believe,” Lundqvist wrote. “So tragic. RIP Johnny.”
Other remembrances and salutes on social media included:
“Praying for the Gaudreau family,” Jakob Chychrun said. “Wishing they find peace in this tragic time. 🙏🤍”
“Johnny Hockey ❤️,” Dylan Strome wrote.
“Rest in peace,” former Capital Andre Burakovsky said.
“My heart is shattered,” John Carlson’s wife, Gina Carlson, wrote. “I met his family at an all star weekend years ago, the nicest, sweetest family. I can’t wrap my head around this. Praying so hard for this family. Prayers to the heavens for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Please pray for this family to get through this unimaginable loss. God please carry them.”
“My deepest sympathies, condolences, and prayers to the Gaudreau family and their friends on such a sad and devastating loss of precious lives on a weekend that was supposed to be about unity, celebration, and love,” Monumental Sports Network’s Alan May said. “I cannot imagine the hurt and suffering that everyone is experiencing. All my prayers to every family member and loved one affected by this tragic event.”
“Absolutely heartbreaking and devastating,” added Craig Laughlin.
Perhaps former Capitals defenseman Zdeno Chara then spoke for us all when he shared a broken heart emoji.
