And just like that… the magic of Johnny Gaudreau still dances in the rink air. With the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in full swing, Team USA found the sweetest way to keep Johnny’s spark alive, and yup, it totally tugged on the heartstrings. They hung his legendary #13 jersey right there in the locker room, and the IIHF? Oh, they did their part too by dropping a tribute video. This time of year is going to be tough on his brothers on ice, especially since it was just last year when Johnny shattered those records (all-time American career points and assists records) and carved his name in bold right across the stat sheets — 43 points, and a legacy that refuses to chill.

His wife, Meredith, oh she felt it. She shared that image of Johnny’s jersey on her Insta story, adding the most tender caption: “Will never stop being so so proud.” She followed it with the IIHF video and poured her heart out with a lil’ “My adorable husband <3. Miss you so much. Everything for you.” And that video? Pure gold. From NHL voices like Tage Thompson sharing how Johnny was more than just a star, he was the guy they looked up to, to Will Smith giving a shoutout to how Johnny made BC hockey feel like home, it’s clear the man left fingerprints on every frozen surface he touched. And now, Johnny Gaudreau’s family pours their hearts out in a tender tribute, just as the late hockey legend is showered with immense love.

The Gaudreau Family 5K, yep, the Inaugural Run/Walk & Family Day honoring the beautiful souls of John & Matthew Gaudreau, took to X to share their pride and gratitude as the Calgary Flames dropped this gem: “Johnny #13 has been named to the #NHLQCTeam. Congratulations to the Gaudreau family – we’re sending our love from Calgary!” The Gaudreau family came back with hearts wide open. They said, “We are overwhelmed with pride and emotion to see our son John named to the NHL All Quarter-Century Team. This honor recognizes his truly special talent.” And you just know they meant every word, straight from the soul.

The family didn’t hold back, and thank goodness we needed to hear this. They reminded everyone that Johnny’s story was bigger than assists and goals. “He so loved being with his teammates playing the game,” and the part that hit us right in the feels? “What makes this recognition even more meaningful is knowing that John’s legacy extends far beyond his hockey achievements.” They called him “a remarkable human being – a loving son, devoted husband and father, proud brother, uncle and friend who touched countless lives with his kindness, humility, and infectious smile.”

As they continue the mission of honoring both John and Matthew, they’re doing it with full hearts, saying, “This honor from the NHL reminds us that while our boys may no longer be with us, their impact on the game and everyone who knew them lives on.” They concluded, “Thank you to the @NHL, the @NHLFlames & @BlueJacketsNHL, and all the fans who continue to remember and celebrate both our boys.” Legends never leave, they just keep skating in our hearts.

The NHL revealed six standout names for its All Quarter-Century Team, honoring players who debuted after 2010 and left a massive mark on the modern game. Leon Draisaitl, Auston Matthews, Nathan MacKinnon, Connor McDavid, and Cale Makar were all named to the list, recognized for their consistent dominance, championship runs, and individual brilliance across the last decade and a half.

Among them was the late Johnny Gaudreau, whose name stirred emotion beyond the stat sheets. A fourth-round pick turned superstar, Gaudreau dazzled fans with his creativity and clutch play, scoring 243 goals and assisting 500 of them. He tragically passed away in 2024 after being hit by a suspected drunk driver while biking with his brother. His legacy, both on and off the ice, continues to echo in the hearts of hockey fans everywhere. And there are proofs for that!

Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy continues to get honored!

It’s been almost a year since the accident. And honestly? The hockey world hasn’t stopped finding beautiful, heartfelt ways to honor the brothers’ legacy. The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation has become more than just a name, it’s a mission. From raising awareness about the dangers of drunk driving to helping other families heal, it’s carrying their spirit forward with purpose. And in between games, news cycles, and buzzer-beaters, their story still hits home, tugging at the hearts of fans and players alike.

Take Dustin Wolf, for example. The Calgary Flames goalie isn’t just showing up on the ice; he’s showing up for Johnny too. He’s been wearing a helmet all season with Johnny’s image tucked on the back like a guardian watching over him. The two shared years together with the Flames before Johnny headed to Columbus, and that bond clearly never faded. When Johnny’s mom, Jane Gaudreau, sent him a sweet congratulatory message for his Calder Trophy nomination, his reply hit different: “Thank you! I know John and Matt were looking down on our season from the very start.”

Over in Columbus, the Blue Jackets have kept Johnny close in every possible way. His jersey hasn’t left the locker room and head coach Dean Evason made it clear just how deep Johnny’s presence still runs. “He will not leave our dressing room as long as I’m here. He will be in there, and he’ll be a presence, and he’ll help us win hockey games, and he’ll hopefully get us to where we want to be, and that’s to win a Stanley Cup.” Moreover, back in March, Johnny’s wife Meredith teamed up with LineChangeCo to drop a limited-edition crewneck in his honor, with proceeds going straight to the foundation. And now, with every save, every goal, every game, there’s that bittersweet echo whispering in the air… what if?