John Tavares breaks his silence on the passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

Toronto Maple Leafs John Tavares has issued his first statement since the tragedy that took place a few days ago which took the lives of both Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. Columbus Blue Jackets star forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a drunk driver operating a vehicle as they traveled by bicycle in Salem County, New Jersey. News of the tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout the hockey world.

Johnny Gaudreau joined the Blue Jackets for the 2022-23 season after collecting 115 points with the Calgary Flames in his final season there. One of his generation's best playmakers, Gaudreau made the All-Star game in 2022-23 and had 743 points in 763 career games, including a nice and even 500 assists.

Fans of Johnny Gaudreau appeared outside Nationwide Arena in Columbus and outside the Saddledome in Calgary to pay respects to the 31-year-old, leaving flowers, sticks, and other memorabilia underneath a banner that read "In loving memory of Johnny Gaudreau." The NHL also took to social media to remember him, as commissioner Gary Bettman issued a statement in recognition of the huge impact this tragedy had on the sport.

The hockey world is in mourning with the untimely loss of one of its most brilliant talents, and John Tavares is definitely not going to get over this easily, as is the case with many others, such as NHL legend Wayne Gretzky who also recently issued a statement.

We continue to offer our thoughts and prayers to the entire Gaudreau family and hope that in time, the healing process will begin.

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