"I’ll miss seeing that smile" "RIP Hockey": Matthew Tkachuk shares emotional farewell to Johnny Gaudreau after his tragic death

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Aug 31, 2024 02:31 GMT

The heartfelt tributes continue to pour in following Johnny Gaudreau’s tragic death. Teammates and fellow NHLers have expressed their grief in droves, with notable condolences from former teammate Matthew Tkachuk. Gaudreau and Tkachuk were teammates while playing with the Calgary Flames. Both players developed strong chemistry both on and off the ice.

They become inseparable, like brothers bound by their shared love for the sport. Tkachuk’s shared a touching tribute:

“Absolutely devastated. I will miss seeing that smile! RIP Hockey! love you brother.”

Tkachuk’s words sum up the way everyone feels around the NHL. Despite going their separate ways, the two remained close. Johnny Gaudreau left Calgary following the 2021-22 season via free agency to join the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Tkachuk was then traded to the Florida Panthers in a blockbuster deal that same offseason. After being teammates, they become rivals. But that never overshadowed their friendship.

Ultimately, Matthew Tkachuk is just one of the scores of players whose lives will forever be changed by Johnny Hockey’s untimely death. Fans and players continue to express their grief while paying homage to one of the league’s best generational players.

Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau's friendship

Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau spent six seasons together with the Calgary Flames. Gaudreau joined the team first after being selected in the fourth round of the 2011 Draft.

Tkachuk joined a few seasons later after being drafted sixth overall in the 2016 Draft. Tkachuk joined the Flames right out of the draft, while Gaudreau had already played two seasons with the team.

The two forwards instantly hit it off, becoming close friends and inseparable teammates. They played on the ice together and often hung out off the ice. A number of social media posts and stories abound, regaling fans about how the pair got along so well.

Amid the Flames’ shakeup following the 2022 postseason, Gaudreau and Tkachuk split up. But that didn’t stop them from staying close. A video showing Gaudreau having a blast with Matthew Tkachuk and his brother Brady at Kevin Hayes’ wedding in 2023, says it all. Gaudreau was close with the entire Tkachuk clan and his premature death has surely hit the Tkachuk’s hard.