Matthew Tkachuk Reflects on the Loss of Close Friend Johnny Gaudreau
Matthew Tkachuk recently opened up about the heartbreaking loss of his close friend and former teammate, Johnny Gaudreau, whose tragic death has cast a long shadow over what was otherwise a memorable summer. Tkachuk, now 26, was riding high after helping the Florida Panthers win their first Stanley Cup on June 24, but just over two months later, his world was rocked by the devastating news of Gaudreau’s passing. Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, were killed in a tragic accident while cycling in Salem County, New Jersey, on August 29.
Tkachuk described these past few weeks as an incredibly difficult time, expressing deep sadness over the loss. “It’s been a terrible time,” he shared, adding that the grief from Gaudreau’s passing has overshadowed the summer's successes. Despite being one of the most offensively talented players Tkachuk had ever seen, Gaudreau’s impact extended far beyond the ice. Tkachuk cherished their bond off the ice, reflecting on their years as teammates with the Calgary Flames, where they played together for six seasons.
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In their final season together in Calgary (2021-22), both players enjoyed career highs, with Gaudreau amassing 115 points and Tkachuk earning 104 points. Yet, it’s their off-ice friendship that Tkachuk treasures most. “Johnny was one of my favorite teammates, but more than that, he was such a great friend,” he said. Tkachuk added that whether or not you knew Johnny personally, the pain is relatable because it touches on the universal bonds of friendship and family.
The impact of Gaudreau’s death has reverberated through the hockey world, especially among the Florida Panthers and the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets, Gaudreau’s most recent team, will honor him during their October 15 home opener against the Panthers, a game that promises to be deeply emotional. The team will pay tribute to Gaudreau by wearing a special patch featuring his No. 13, and the arena will also hold commemorations for the late Gaudreau brothers.
Tkachuk, who attended the memorial services for Johnny and Matthew, spoke of the tremendous sadness and ongoing support for the Gaudreau family, particularly Johnny’s wife and children. He also emphasized how he and others continue to keep Johnny’s memory alive by sharing stories and remembering his personality. “I think everyone has done an amazing job of telling stories and keeping him present because that’s what he would want—for us to smile about him and tell fun stories.”
The loss of Gaudreau has clearly left a lasting impact on Tkachuk. As he moves forward in his career, Tkachuk said he will continue sharing stories about Johnny, ensuring that his memory lives on forever. “I’ll always carry something with me, and he’ll always be with me,” he said, highlighting the profound bond they shared, both as teammates and as close friends.
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