History of Johnny Gaudreau in Timeline

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.

August 13, 1993: John Gaudreau's Birth

On August 13, 1993, John Michael Gaudreau was born. He would later become a professional ice hockey winger.

Others born on this day/year

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.

2006: Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 2006, Gaudreau participated in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with a minor ice hockey team from Hershey, Pennsylvania.

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.

2014: Success of Flames

The Flames failed to live up to the high expectations following their surprisingly successful 2014-15 season, finishing 26th in the NHL and missing the Stanley Cup playoffs.

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.

2015: First Playoff Goal Since 2015

In the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, Gaudreau scored his first playoff goal since 2015, after a disappointing season. In game one of the series, Gaudreau scored his first playoff goal since 2015, helping the Flames win the game 4–1.

October 10, 2016: Signs Six-Year Contract

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

November 16, 2016: Suffers Finger Fracture

On November 16, 2016, Gaudreau suffered a finger fracture in a game against the Minnesota Wild and had surgery the following day, causing him to miss some games.

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 Lows

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

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.

2020: COVID-19 Season

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHL realigned its divisions for a shortened 2020-21 season and Gaudreau experienced some difficulties adjusting to a new coach but improved his scoring later in the season.

2021: Flames did not Qualify for Playoffs

In the 2020-21 season, The Flames did not qualify for the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, coming four points short of the Montreal Canadiens for the final berth in the North Division, despite Gaudreau leading the Flames in goals (19) and assists (30).

2022: Signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets

In 2022, Gaudreau signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he played for the last two seasons of his NHL career.

August 29, 2024: John Gaudreau's Death

On August 29, 2024, John Michael Gaudreau passed away after an 11-season NHL career.

August 31, 2024: Teams and Organizations Issue Tributes

On August 31, 2024, following Johnny Gaudreau's death, the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Columbus Crew held moments of silence before their respective games.