Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Johnny Gaudreau

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Johnny Gaudreau made an impact.

John Michael "Johnny Hockey" Gaudreau is an American professional ice hockey winger who played 11 seasons in the NHL. Drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2011, he excelled at Boston College, winning the Hobey Baker Award in 2014. In the NHL, he was a seven-time All-Star, Calder Trophy finalist, and Lady Byng Trophy winner. Known for his skill and gentlemanly play, Gaudreau also played for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Despite being smaller in stature, he achieved significant success and was lauded for inspiring other smaller hockey players.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1987: Youngest Flames Player to Record a Hat-Trick Since 1987

On December 22, 2014, after scoring his first NHL hat-trick against Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings, Gaudreau became the youngest Flames player to record a hat-trick since Joe Nieuwendyk in the 1987-88 season.

1996: First Flames Rookie to reach 50 points Since 1996

On March 11, 2015, after scoring his 50th point of the season, Gaudreau became the first Flames rookie to reach the mark since Jarome Iginla in 1996-97.

2003: Highest Scoring Since 2003

In 2014, Gaudreau had the highest production by any player in the country since 2003, scoring 36 goals and 44 assists for 80 points in 40 games, a 2.00 point per game pace.

2010: Joins Dubuque Fighting Saints

During the 2010-11 season, Gaudreau played for the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the United States Hockey League (USHL).

2010: Bill Arnold Drafted

In 2010, Bill Arnold was drafted by the Calgary Flames.

June 2011: Changes College Choice

In June 2011, after Northeastern hockey head coach Greg Cronin resigned, Gaudreau opted to play for Boston College instead of Northeastern University.

2011: Gaudreau's College Hockey Career Begins

In 2011, Gaudreau began playing Division I college ice hockey for the Boston College Eagles and was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL entry draft.

2011: USHL Champion and Rookie of the Year

In 2011, Gaudreau played in the USHL All-Star Game and helped his team win the Clark Cup as the USHL champions. He was named USHL Rookie of the Year.

2011: Drafted by Calgary Flames

In 2011, Gaudreau was selected by the Calgary Flames in the 4th round, 104th overall, in the NHL entry draft, being the shortest player selected.

April 3, 2013: Hobey Baker Award Finalist

On April 3, 2013, Gaudreau was named one of the three finalists for the 2013 Hobey Baker Award.

2013: Bill Arnold Contract

In 2013, Bill Arnold signed an entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames.

April 11, 2014: NHL Debut

On April 11, 2014, Gaudreau signed an entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames and made his NHL debut, scoring a goal on his first shot.

December 22, 2014: First NHL Hat-Trick

On December 22, 2014, Gaudreau scored his first career NHL hat-trick against Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings.

2014: NHL All-Rookie Team

Gaudreau was named to the NHL's All-Rookie team for the 2014-15 season and a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's best rookie.

2014: Hobey Baker Award

In 2014, Gaudreau was named the recipient of the Hobey Baker Award, recognizing him as the best player in the NCAA.

January 25, 2015: NHL All-Star Game Selection

On January 25, 2015, Gaudreau played in the 2015 NHL All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio, participating in the Skills Competition and garnering attention for his antics with Jakub Voráček during the shootout challenge.

March 11, 2015: 50th Point of the Season

On March 11, 2015, Gaudreau scored his 50th point of the season, becoming the first Flames rookie to reach the mark since Jarome Iginla in 1996–97.

2015: NHL All-Star and All-Rookie Selection

During his first full NHL season in 2014-15, Gaudreau was selected to play in the 2015 NHL All-Star Game and was named to the NHL All-Rookie team.

2015: All-Star Game Appearance

In 2015-16, for the second straight year, Gaudreau participated in the NHL All-Star Game, the 61st in NHL history and was selected as a finalist to be the All-Star Game MVP.

October 10, 2016: Signs Six-Year Contract

On October 10, 2016, Gaudreau signed a six-year, $40.5 million contract with the Flames.

2016: Lady Byng Memorial Trophy

In the 2016-17 season, Gaudreau won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's most gentlemanly player.

2017: Named NHL All-Star

In the 2017-18 season, Gaudreau was named an NHL All-Star for the fourth consecutive year.

2018: Career-Best Regular Season

In the 2018-19 season, Gaudreau had his best regular season, finishing with a career-best 99 points, including career highs in goals, assists and points.

2019: Career-Best Season and Hart Trophy Nomination

In the 2018-19 season, Gaudreau finished with a career-best 99 points and was nominated for the Hart Memorial Trophy. The Flames won the Pacific Division, but lost in the first round of the 2019 playoffs.