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 former professional ice hockey player, primarily a 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 his first full NHL season, he was named to the All-Rookie Team and played in the 2015 All-Star Game. Gaudreau earned a Calder Memorial Trophy nomination and won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2017. In 2022, he joined the Columbus Blue Jackets. Despite being smaller in stature at 5'9", he became a seven-time NHL All-Star and helped grow opportunities for other smaller hockey players.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Joins Dubuque Fighting Saints

In 2010, Gaudreau played with the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the United States Hockey League (USHL).

2010: Bill Arnold Drafted

In 2014, Gaudreau and Bill Arnold signed with the Calgary Flames. Bill Arnold having been drafted by Calgary in 2010.

2011: USHL All-Star, Clark Cup Champion, and Rookie of the Year

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

2011: Selected in NHL Draft

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

2011: College Hockey Career Begins and NHL Draft

In 2011, John Gaudreau began playing college ice hockey for the Boston College Eagles in NCAA Division I. Also in 2011, he was selected by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round, 104th overall, of the NHL entry draft.

2013: Play with Brother Matthew at Boston College

In 2013, Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, played together at Boston College during the 2013–14 season.

2013: World Junior Championship Gold Medal

In 2013, Gaudreau represented the United States at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, leading the tournament in goals and helping the U.S. win the gold medal. He was also named to the tournament All-Star Team.

2013: Signs with Calgary Flames

On April 11, 2014, Gaudreau and Eagles teammate Bill Arnold signed entry-level contracts with the Calgary Flames. Bill Arnold was drafted by Calgary in 2010. Both made their NHL debut in the Flames' final game of the 2013–14 season against the Vancouver Canucks.

April 11, 2014: Signs with Calgary Flames

On April 11, 2014, Gaudreau signed an entry-level contract with the Calgary Flames and made his NHL debut the same day.

December 22, 2014: First NHL Hat-Trick

On December 22, 2014, Gaudreau scored his first career NHL hat-trick against Jonathan Quick in a 4–3 comeback win over the Los Angeles Kings.

2014: IIHF World Championship

In 2014, Gaudreau played for the United States in the IIHF World Championship in Minsk, Belarus. He scored his first international goal and finished the tournament with ten points.

January 2015: Trademark Application for "Johnny Hockey"

In January 2015, Gaudreau filed a trademark application for the nickname "Johnny Hockey" in Canada and the U.S. to prevent its misuse for marketing purposes.

January 25, 2015: NHL All-Star Game Selection and Skills Competition

On January 25, 2015, Gaudreau was selected to play in the 2015 NHL All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio, and participated in the Skills Competition.

March 11, 2015: Reaches 50 Points

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 Team Selection

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

2015: Playoff Goal

In 2020, Gaudreau scored his first playoff goal since 2015 in a game against the Winnipeg Jets.

October 10, 2016: Signs New Contract

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

2016: World Cup of Hockey

In 2016, Gaudreau played for Team North America at the World Cup of Hockey, scoring four points in three games.

2017: Sets Career High in Points

During the 2017–18 season, Gaudreau set a career high in points scored.

2018: Success in 2018

Following his success in 2018–19, Gaudreau had a disappointing 2019–20 season, hitting career lows of only 18 goals and 40 assists for 58 points in 70 games.

2018: IIHF World Championship Bronze Medal

In 2018, Gaudreau competed at the IIHF World Championship, contributing one goal and eight assists, and earning a bronze medal for the U.S. team.

2018: Regular Season

The 2018–19 season was Gaudreau's best regular season.

April 19, 2019: Selection to Team USA

On April 19, 2019, Gaudreau was selected to represent Team USA at the 2019 IIHF World Championship.

2019: Success in 2018

Following his success in 2018–19, Gaudreau had a disappointing 2019–20 season, hitting career lows of only 18 goals and 40 assists for 58 points in 70 games.

2019: Best Regular Season and Playoff Loss

In 2019, Gaudreau had a career-best regular season with 99 points. The Flames lost to the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the playoffs.

2021: Leads the Flames in Goals and Assists

During the 2020-21 season, Gaudreau lead the Flames in goals (19) and assists (30).

2021: Flames' Successful Season

During the 2021-22 season, the Flames had a successful regular season, with Gaudreau, Lindholm, and Tkachuk forming a dominant line. The NHL's divisions and format returned to their pre-pandemic norms.

July 12, 2022: Gaudreau to Leave Calgary

On July 12, 2022, the Flames announced that Gaudreau would not return to Calgary, despite the club's efforts to re-sign him. Gaudreau's desire to be closer to his family was cited as a key reason for his departure.

July 13, 2022: Gaudreau Signs with Columbus

On July 13, 2022, Gaudreau agreed to a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, accepting less money than offered by Calgary. The decision was surprising, given Columbus's reputation as an undesirable destination for free agents.

2022: Signs with Columbus Blue Jackets

In 2022, Gaudreau signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he spent his last two seasons.

2022: Playoff Run and Contract Expiration

In 2022, Gaudreau's performance was highly anticipated as the Flames entered the playoffs as favorites. He scored game-winning goals in game four and game seven, advancing the Flames to the second round. Also in 2022, the expiration of Gaudreau's contract led to speculation about his future with the Flames.

2023: Decline in Point Production

During the 2023-24 season, Gaudreau's point production declined from 74 to 60, despite leading the Blue Jackets. The Hockey News attributed this in part to his lack of consistent linemates.

2023: All-Star Selection and Team Struggles

In 2023, Gaudreau was selected to represent the Blue Jackets at the All-Star Game. However, the team struggled, finishing near the bottom of the league, despite Gaudreau leading the team in points.

2024: IIHF World Championship

In 2024, Gaudreau was named to the U.S. roster for the IIHF World Championship, scoring three goals and eight assists. The United States team finished in fifth place.