.jpg)
3 hours ago
2
The 2025 NHL Draft has been filled with emotional moments. Islanders first overall pick Matthew Schaefer honored his late mother, who passed away after battling cancer in 2024, and the Blue Jackets welcomed a special guest to make their selection at No. 14.
Meredith Gaudreau, the widow of the late Johnny Gaudreau, announced Columbus' pick, Jackson Smith, on Friday night, receiving a standing ovation from fans. Gaudreau fought back tears as she thanked the hockey community for its support over the last year. She returned later in the night to announce Columbus' No. 20 pick, too.
Johnny Gaudreau spent the 2023-2024 season with the Blue Jackets before his tragic death in August 2024. He was a superstar with the Calgary Flames from 2013-2022, totaling 210 goals and 609 points in his nine seasons with the team.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Here's more on Meredith Gaudreau's special moment at the 2025 NHL Draft.
MORE: NHL Draft picks 2025: Live results, updates, list of selections from Rounds 1-7
Meredith Gaudreau tribute at 2025 NHL Draft
Gaudreau announced the Blue Jackets' first first-round pick at the 2025 NHL Draft when the team selected Jackson Smith from Calgary. She received a standing ovation from the fans at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
A standing ovation for Meredith Gaudreau as she announces Jackson Smith to the Columbus Blue Jackets 💙 pic.twitter.com/gIeL6mRQJu
— ESPN (@espn) June 28, 2025When Smith was interviewed afterward, he said he was a fan of Johnny Gaudreau's game. The 18-year-old hopes he can get to the professional club soon and be an impact player, as well.
Meredith Gaudreau returned later to announce the Blue Jackets' No. 20 pick, Pyotr Andrew Anov, who was not present at the draft.
MORE: How Matthew Schaefer overcame multiple personal tragedies to be top NHL draft pick
What happened to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau?
On Aug. 29, 2024, Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau were bicycling in southern New Jersey when they were struck by a drunk driver. Both were pronounced dead when police arrived on the scene. They had returned to their childhood home in southern New Jersey for their sister's wedding.
MORE: NHL Stadium Series Johnny & Matthew Gaudreau tribute, explained
What teams did Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau play for?
After a three-year career at Boston College, where he earned the nickname "Johnny Hockey," Johnny Gaudreau played for the Flames and the Blue Jackets. The forward spent the first nine years of his professional career in Calgary, totaling 210 goals and 609 points before signing a long-term deal with Columbus in the summer of 2023.
Matthew Gaudreau played four seasons at Boston College, including one with his older brother in 2013-14. After his collegiate career, Gaudreau spent five seasons in the AHL and ECHL, playing for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Worcester Railers, and Reading Royals. After his playing career, Matthew served as head coach of Gloucester Catholic High School hockey.
MORE: Revisiting the death of Johnny Gaudreau, brother in tragic accident
English (US)