Almost six months later, the story still tugs at the heartstrings. Back in October, Flames goalie Dustin Wolf decided to do something truly special—he rocked a custom mask that paid tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, the two brothers taken far too soon in a tragic bike accident in Jersey. Wolf’s mask wasn’t just gear—it was a painted love letter. On the backplate? A beautiful image of Johnny Gaudreau in that iconic red Flames jersey, stick raised high, frozen in a moment of grace.

Oh, and he didn’t stop there, he threw in a nod to purple Gatorade and Skittles, Johnny’s go-to snacks, because yeah, details matter when you’re honoring legends. Fast forward to now, and cue the tears—Johnny Gaudreau’s mom just sent a heartfelt message to Wolf, months after the tribute. The tribute clearly meant the world, and seeing that kind of love echo across the NHL… it’s more than just hockey. It’s not just a game sometimes… it’s a family thing.

On May 5th, Johnny Gaudreau’s mom, Jane Gaudreau, hopped on X and dropped a post that had everyone in their feelings. She shared a sweet pic of the Flames’ post announcing Dustin Wolf as a Calder Memorial Trophy finalist for the 2024-25 season, and let’s just say… her words hit right in the heart. She wrote, “Congratulations, @dwolf2332! This is such a well-deserved honor, and we couldn’t be happier for you. We still remember how highly John spoke of you when you joined the @NHLFlames organization. He would be so proud of you.” Like seriously, cue the goosebumps.

And guess what? Back in March, Dustin Wolf got real emotional talking about his goalie mask, and yep, it was one of those moments. In a heartfelt sit-down with Sports on Prime Canada, the host pointed out how a goalie mask is like the soul of a player in paint. “It’s where you actually get to show your personality as well, and it tells a story,” they said, and that set the stage for something deep.

Wolf took a breath and opened up, saying this season’s mask meant everything. “Yeah, this year was a pretty special one,” he said softly. He described how the back of his mask carries a tribute to Johnny Gaudreau. “It’s been a tribute,” Wolf said. “You kind of think that he’s looking over myself and our team throughout the season.” Pure goosebumps.

And when it comes to shiny hardware and big-time honors? Dustin Wolf is right in the mix. Calgary’s young netminder is officially a Calder Trophy finalist—joining Montreal’s Lane Hutson and San Jose’s Macklin Celebrini in the rookie spotlight. The award goes to the top rookie in the league, and the ballots from the Professional Hockey Writers Association sealed the deal.

Wolf’s stats? Chef’s kiss. With a 2.64 GAA, three shutouts, and a league-leading 29 wins among rookie goalies (just one shy of Mike Vernon’s record from way back in ‘86), the dude absolutely held it down between the pipes. He stopped 25+ shots in 35 games and gave up two or fewer goals in nearly half his appearances. And get this; Calgary hasn’t had a Calder finalist since Johnny Gaudreau in 2015. Full circle, anyone? And talking about Johnny Gaudreau, his wife also sent across wishes for one of his friends a few days ago!

Johnny Gaudreau’s wife supports his friend!

Sean Monahan’s still carrying the weight, and honestly? You can hear it in every word. “I still haven’t, obviously, got over it. I don’t think I ever will…” he admitted, holding onto the memory of his best bud, Johnny Gaudreau, and Johnny’s brother Matthew. For Monahan, the drive to the rink isn’t just routine anymore, it’s a quiet, emotional ride through memory lane. Johnny had convinced him to lace up for the Blue Jackets and reignite that old Calgary spark. On the ice, they were the perfect duo. Johnny setting it up, Monahan finishing it off, racking up highlight-reel overtime winners like clockwork.

But the magic wasn’t just on the scoreboard. Off the ice? They were soul brothers who became dads, dreaming of the days their kids would grow up side by side. Monahan once shared, “The hard thing for me is being around his kids…” and that honesty? It hits deep. Still, those toddler hangouts continue, and Johnny Gaudreau’s daughter Noa? She’s now her ‘Uncle Sean’s’ biggest little cheerleader. So when #23 snagged a Masterton Trophy finalist nod, an award that honors perseverance, heart, and pure love for the game, you knew Meredith Gaudreau would chime in. She posted a proud little Insta story with the caption: “👏Uncle Sean👏👏👏”, spotlighting the moment like only someone who knows that bond could.

And Monahan’s earned every bit of that love. Even while grieving, the man’s been locked in, averaging 1.06 points per game, the best of any Blue Jackets rookie, and dropping 57 total points this season. That puts him right behind Johnny Gaudreau himself, who had 74 in his first year with Columbus. Being nominated alongside legends like Fleury and Landeskog? That’s no small deal. But Meredith’s shoutout wasn’t just a pat on the back. It was a quiet tribute, a full-circle moment that proves Johnny’s light still shines through the ones who love him most.