Playing with Johnny Gaudreau was an ‘honor’ says Matthew Tkachuk

Matthew Tkachuk Pays Tribute to Johnny Gaudreau Following Fatal Crash: ‘Playing with Him Was an Honor’

Florida Panthers star and Stanley Cup champion Matthew Tkachuk took a moment during Florida’s media day to reflect on the life of his former teammate and close friend, Johnny Gaudreau, three weeks after the NHL star’s tragic death in a fatal crash.

Gaudreau, along with his brother Matthew, was killed on August 29 in New Jersey after being struck by a suspected drunk driver while cycling. Tkachuk, who spent six years alongside Gaudreau with the Calgary Flames, shared heartfelt memories of his former teammate.

“My memory of him will go on forever,” Tkachuk said Wednesday, speaking to The Associated Press. “It was such an honor to play with him. And you guys all saw what he did on the ice. I was the lucky one to have a great relationship with him off it. Those are the memories I will take. But it’s been terrible. It really has.”

Tkachuk described Gaudreau as “the most offensively talented player” he had ever seen and spoke about the bond they shared both on and off the ice. The two were part of a strong Calgary Flames team before Tkachuk was traded to the Florida Panthers in 2022, the same offseason Gaudreau left Calgary to sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Gaudreau and his brother were killed near their childhood home, just hours before they were set to serve as groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding. The driver involved in the crash, Sean Higgins, has been charged with two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, and other alcohol-related charges after admitting to drinking several beers before the accident.

Tkachuk attended the funeral services for the Gaudreau brothers earlier this month, where he reflected on Johnny’s wife, Meredith, their children, and the Gaudreau family. He spoke about how the hockey world has kept Johnny’s memory alive through stories and tributes.

“Everybody has an amazing job of telling stories and keeping him present, because that’s exactly what he would want — for us to smile about him and tell the fun stories about what a great player and teammate he was, and a better guy,” Tkachuk said.

The tributes for Johnny Gaudreau are expected to continue, with one of the most emotional moments likely coming on October 15, when Tkachuk and the Panthers face the Blue Jackets in Columbus for their first home game since Gaudreau’s death. The game promises to be a poignant moment for both teams, fans, and the entire NHL community.