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 first played for Boston College, where he won the Hobey Baker Award in 2014. He quickly transitioned to the NHL, earning an All-Star selection and All-Rookie team honors in his first full season (2014-15). Gaudreau was a Calder Trophy finalist and won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 2017. In 2022, he signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Despite his smaller stature (5'9"), Gaudreau achieved significant success, becoming a seven-time NHL All-Star and influencing opportunities for smaller hockey players. He finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting twice, highlighting his impact on the sport.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1987: Youngest Flames player to record a hat-trick

On December 22, 2014, Johnny Gaudreau became the youngest Flames player to record a hat-trick since Joe Nieuwendyk in the 1987-88 season.

1996: Last Flames rookie to reach 50 points

In 1996-97, Jarome Iginla was the last Flames rookie to reach the 50 points mark, until Johnny Gaudreau reached the mark in 2015.

2003: Highest Production by Any Player Since 2003

In 2014, Gaudreau had the highest production by any player in the country since 2003.

2010: Bill Arnold drafted to Calgary Flames

In 2010, teammate Bill Arnold was drafted to the Calgary Flames.

2010: Playing for Dubuque Fighting Saints

In the 2010-11 season, Gaudreau played for the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL.

June 2011: Resignation of Northeastern Hockey Head Coach Greg Cronin

In June 2011, Northeastern hockey head coach Greg Cronin resigned to take a position with the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, leading Johnny Gaudreau to opt for Boston College instead of Northeastern University, where he had originally signed a letter of intent.

2011: College Ice Hockey at Boston College and NHL Draft

In 2011, Johnny Gaudreau began playing Division I college ice hockey for the Boston College Eagles and was selected 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, Johnny Gaudreau played in the USHL All-Star Game and helped his team win the Clark Cup as the USHL champions. He was also named USHL Rookie of the Year.

2011: Drafted by Calgary Flames

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

2013: Bill Arnold signed entry level contract

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

April 11, 2014: Entry-Level Contract with Calgary Flames and NHL Debut

On April 11, 2014, Johnny Gaudreau and teammate Bill Arnold signed entry-level contracts with the Calgary Flames and made their NHL debut, with Gaudreau scoring a goal on his first shot.

December 22, 2014: First NHL Hat-Trick

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

2014: Surprisingly successful 2014-15 season

Following their surprisingly successful 2014-15 season, the Flames failed to live up to high expectations.

2014: Hobey Baker Award and First NHL Season

In 2014, Johnny Gaudreau received the Hobey Baker Award as the best player in the NCAA. During his first full NHL season in 2014-15, he was selected for the 2015 NHL All-Star Game and named to the NHL All-Rookie team.

January 25, 2015: NHL All-Star Game Appearance

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

March 11, 2015: 50th Point of the Season

On March 11, 2015, Johnny 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

In 2015, Johnny Gaudreau was selected to play in the 2015 NHL All-Star Game and was named to the annual NHL All-Rookie team.

2015: First Playoff Goal

In 2020, Gaudreau scored his first playoff goal since 2015.

2015: Breakout Year and All-Star Game

In the 2015-16 season, Johnny Gaudreau had a breakout year, setting career highs in goals, assists, and points. He also participated in the NHL All-Star Game for the second straight year.

October 10, 2016: Six-Year Contract Signed

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

2017: Career High Points and All-Star Selection

In the 2017-18 season, Johnny Gaudreau set a career high in points and was named an NHL All-Star for the fourth consecutive year.

2018: Success in 2018-19

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

2018: Best Regular Season

In the 2018-19 season, Johnny Gaudreau had his best regular season.

2019: Career-Best Season and Hart Memorial Trophy Nomination

In 2019, Johnny Gaudreau finished with a career-best 99 points and was nominated for the Hart Memorial Trophy. The Flames lost in the first round of the playoffs.

2020: COVID-19 Pandemic and Playoffs

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a prematurely halted regular season, and the NHL arranged for the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs to be held in a bubble. Gaudreau scored his first playoff goal since 2015 in game one of the qualifying round.

2021: Improved Scoring and Team Performance

In 2021, Johnny Gaudreau's scoring improved during the final months of the regular season. He recorded his 300th career assist and led the Flames in goals and assists, but the Flames did not qualify for the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs.