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Frank Seravalli addresses controversial use of Johnny Gaudreau's tragic death in latest column
Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli has faced significant backlash for comments made in his season preview article regarding Johnny Gaudreau, who died in a bike accident on Aug. 29.
In the latest "32 Bold Predictions" column, Seravalli suggested that Gaudreau's death could positively influence the Columbus Blue Jackets' chances of winning the Draft Lottery, which many found to be distasteful and insensitive.
In response to the criticism, Frank Seravalli addressed the controversy in a follow-up tweet, expressing regret for his choice of words. He emphasized that his intention was never to cause hurt or anger, particularly given the profound impact of Gaudreau's death on the hockey community.
Seravalli acknowledged that the topic is sensitive and that he shouldn't have connected it to his predictions. He concluded by apologizing and committing to being more mindful in the future. Frank Seravalli tweeted:
"Earlier today, in an annual season predictions column, I picked the Columbus Blue Jackets to win the Draft Lottery and included commentary about Johnny Gaudreau looking down on them from heaven for good luck.
"What I wrote and how my poor choice of words was received was not intended to create any hurt or anger. Especially as a member of the Philly hockey community, I’ve been absolutely gutted by John and Matty’s passing - like so many around the hockey world.
"This tragedy is a difficult topic we’re all grappling with, and what I wrote was never intended to add to that. Simply put, I should not have tied the two together. I am sorry, and I promise to be better."
Also Read: NHL fans left divided by Frank Seravalli's comments on Johnny Gaudreau death impacting Blue Jackets
Frank Seravalli predicts Edmonton Oilers to end Canada's Stanley Cup drought
It has been more than three decades since a Canadian team last lifted the Stanley Cup, with the Montreal Canadiens being the last one to achieve the feat, in 1993.
The Edmonton Oilers came close to ending the long-standing drought last season but fell short, losing to the Florida Panthers in seven games in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.
Nonetheless, Frank Seravalli has made a bold prediction in his "32 Bold Predictions" column, suggesting that the Oilers will follow in the footsteps of the Panthers.
He forecasts that the Oilers will become the second straight team to rebound from a Cup Final loss the previous year and claim victory in the following season.
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