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 winger, renowned for his skill despite his smaller stature. Drafted by the Calgary Flames in 2011, he played college hockey for Boston College, winning the Hobey Baker Award in 2014. In the NHL, Gaudreau became a seven-time All-Star. He was a Calder Memorial Trophy finalist and won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2017. Gaudreau signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022, playing there for two seasons before retiring. He is credited with inspiring smaller hockey players and finished fourth in Hart Memorial Trophy voting twice.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: USHL Season with Dubuque Fighting Saints

In 2010, Gaudreau played for the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL.

June 2011: Resignation of Northeastern Coach Greg Cronin

In June 2011, Gaudreau opted to play for Boston College after Northeastern hockey head coach Greg Cronin resigned to join the Toronto Maple Leafs.

2011: College Hockey and NHL Draft

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 (104th overall) of the 2011 NHL entry draft.

2011: USHL All-Star and Clark Cup Win

In 2011, Gaudreau played in the USHL All-Star Game, helped his team win the Clark Cup, finished second in the league in goals (36), and fourth in points (72). He was also named to the USHL All-Rookie Team, the All-USHL Second Team, and was awarded the USHL Rookie of the Year.

2011: Drafted by Calgary Flames

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

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 in a 4–3 win over the Los Angeles Kings, becoming the youngest Flames player to do so since 1987.

2015: NHL All-Star and All-Rookie Team Selection

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

2015: Previous Playoff Goal

Gaudreau last scored a playoff goal in 2015.

October 10, 2016: Contract Signing

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

2017: Career High in Points

During the 2017-18 season, Gaudreau set a career high in points, leading the Flames with 84.

2018: Previous Season's Success

Following his success in 2018–19, Gaudreau had a disappointing season.

2018: Career Season

The 2018-19 season was Gaudreau's best regular season, as he finished with 99 points and career highs in goals (36) and assists (63).

April 19, 2019: Gaudreau selected for Team USA at IIHF World Championship

On April 19, 2019, Johnny Gaudreau was chosen to play for Team USA at the IIHF World Championship held in Bratislava and Košice, Slovakia. During the tournament, he recorded one goal and one assist over six games, and the team finished seventh overall after losing in the quarterfinals to Russia.

2020: Playoff Goal

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

2021: Improved Scoring

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

July 12, 2022: Gaudreau decides not to return to Calgary

On July 12, 2022, the Calgary Flames announced that Johnny Gaudreau would not return to the team despite the club's efforts to re-sign him. General Manager Brad Treliving expressed disappointment but acknowledged Gaudreau's desire to be closer to his family.

July 13, 2022: Gaudreau signs with Columbus Blue Jackets

On July 13, 2022, Johnny Gaudreau signed a seven-year, $68.25 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. This decision was unexpected, as Columbus was not widely considered a likely destination for him. Blue Jackets' GM Jarmo Kekäläinen hoped this signing would change the perception of Columbus as an undesirable location for free agents.