The friendship between Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau ran deeper than hockey. Even now, months after tragedy struck, the Florida Panthers star finds quiet ways to keep his former Calgary Flames teammate close.
Tkachuk carries small reminders of Gaudreau everywhere.
How Is Johnny Gaudreau Still Part of Matthew Tkachuk’s Game?
Tkachuk’s equipment bag contains a Catholic keepsake tucked in, his late friend’s favorite pre-game drink, and little rituals that maintain their unbreakable bond. He travels to every practice, every game, and every road trip. Inside, he keeps something special.
“It’s kind of like, ‘Johnny is going to be with you,'” Tkachuk said. “I keep that in my kit that comes with me to all practices and games and on the road and everything … So he’s always in the locker room, hanging with me.”
During their Calgary years, the pair formed one of the NHL’s most dangerous duos on the ice. Away from the rink, they became inseparable friends. That connection hasn’t faded, even after tragedy struck last summer.
Johnny Gaudreau, 31, and his younger brother Matthew, 29, were killed in New Jersey when an alleged drunk driver hit them while they were cycling. The criminal case continues moving through the courts.
Since the tragedy, Tkachuk has raised the Stanley Cup twice with Florida. Those championship moments feel different now. The celebrations carry extra weight because, in his mind, Johnny remains part of every victory.
How Did a Community Walk Turn Into a League-Wide Tribute?
This past summer, the Gaudreau family organized the first Gaudreau Family 5K Walk, Run, and Family Day in Sewell, New Jersey. The event drew more than 1,000 people, including neighbors, longtime friends, and members of the NHL community.
Tkachuk planned to attend quietly, but when the entire Panthers roster and coaching staff arrived alongside him, the event transformed into something much bigger. What began as a local tribute became a powerful demonstration of how far Johnny’s impact had reached throughout the hockey world.
Other familiar faces joined the walk. Buddy Robinson, Brady Tkachuk, and Erik Gudbranson walked beside Johnny’s father, Guy. The event wasn’t about competition or finishing times. Instead, it focused on remembering two brothers who left the game, and their families, far too early.
The tributes have continued throughout the 2024-25 season. Calgary Flames goalie Dustin Wolf had Gaudreau painted on his mask. Montreal’s Cole Caufield switched his number to 13 in Johnny’s honor. Teams across the league have held moments of silence and organized charity events in the brothers’ memory.
Dustin Wolf’s mask paying tribute to Johnny Gaudreau 🥹❤️
(via @NHL) pic.twitter.com/tgW04JIv8W
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) October 10, 2024
For Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny’s widow, these gestures have provided strength during an incredibly difficult year. She’s shared how chants at the draft and countless messages from players and fans have helped her through the darkest moments.
Tkachuk feels the weight of that responsibility too. He understands his role in keeping Johnny’s memory alive.
