The 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft in Los Angeles featured future stars and high-stakes picks, but its most powerful moment came from a grieving widow.
Meredith Gaudreau took the stage Friday night at the Peacock Theater to announce the Columbus Blue Jackets’ selections, representing her late husband, NHL All-Star Johnny Gaudreau, in an emotional tribute that moved fans to tears.
Johnny Gaudreau’s Wife Meredith Moved to Tears by Fans
As Meredith approached the podium to announce the Blue Jackets’ 14th overall selection, the entire arena rose to its feet. Fans chanted “Johnny! Johnny!” in honor of the beloved forward known as “Johnny Hockey,” creating a wave of emotion that visibly overwhelmed the widow with their heartfelt tribute.
The poignant moment carried additional weight given the tragic circumstances surrounding Johnny Gaudreau’s death. He and his brother, Matthew, lost their lives on Aug. 29, 2024, after being struck by an alleged drunk driver while riding bicycles in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey.
Their sudden passing sent shockwaves through the hockey community, sparking tributes from players, teams, and fans throughout the season. Now, nearly 10 months later, Meredith stood before thousands to carry forward her husband’s legacy.
She addressed the crowd from the podium:
“I just wanted to take this time to thank every single team and every single fan base for your support for my family this past season. It’s truly an honor to be here, and from the bottom of my heart I thank you.”
Draft Picks Carry Special Meaning
After gathering her composure, Meredith proudly announced the Blue Jackets’ first-round pick: defenseman Jackson Smith from Tri-City of the Western Hockey League. The selection resonated deeply, as Smith hails from Calgary, where Johnny Gaudreau began his NHL career and earned his famous nickname.
The 18-year-old Smith, a lifelong Flames fan who grew up idolizing Gaudreau, now joins the only other NHL team that the late star played for during his career. This connection between past and present added profound symbolism to an already emotional moment.
Later in the evening, Meredith returned to the podium for Columbus’ second first-round selection at No. 20 overall. She announced goaltender Pyotr Andreyanov from CSKA Jr. in Russia, further cementing her role in honoring her husband’s legacy through these meaningful contributions to the team he loved.
When reporters asked about the crowd’s emotional reaction and her experience making the picks, Meredith responded with characteristic grace and strength:
“My greatest honor is representing him, so I’m really honored to be here.”
Johnny Gaudreau’s Lasting Legacy
Johnny Gaudreau’s path to NHL stardom began when the Calgary Flames selected him in the fourth round (104th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft. Despite concerns about his 5-foot-9 frame, he developed into one of the league’s most electrifying players, earning seven All-Star selections throughout his career.
After nine successful seasons in Calgary, where he amassed 609 points in 602 games, Gaudreau surprised the hockey world by signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets on July 13, 2022. The seven-year, $68.25 million contract brought him closer to his East Coast roots, where he continued to dazzle fans with his skill and sportsmanship until his tragic passing.
Meredith’s appearance at the draft transcended a simple ceremonial role. Her presence served as a powerful reminder of how the hockey community rallies around its own during times of loss. The combination of her remarkable strength and composure, paired with the overwhelming support from fans across the league, created one of the most unforgettable and touching moments in NHL Draft history.
The standing ovation, the chants, and the tears shared between a widow and thousands of hockey fans demonstrated that while Johnny Gaudreau may be gone, his impact on the sport and its community will never be forgotten.
