Matthew Tkachuk visits Johnny Gaudreau’s family in an emotional reunion ahead of Florida Panthers’ game in Columbus

Matthew Tkachuk shared a heartwarming moment with the family of late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau during a recent visit to Columbus, ahead of the Florida Panthers game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Both Matthew Tkachuk and Gaudreau shared a close bond. They played six seasons together in Calgary as teammates before Gaudreau's unfortunate passing away.

As the Panthers star got the opportunity to visit Columbus, he shared a special moment with Johnny Gaudreau's family, checking in on the late NHL star's loved ones ahead of a game against the Blue Jackets. The Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed in a road accident while the two were bicycling in Salem County, New Jersey.

Reports suggest that the two were hit by a suspected drunk driver, who is still awaiting trial on multiple charges. Earlier, in August 2025, families of late hockey brothers Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau were seen together, marking their first anniversary of the tragic crash that killed them.

Matthew Tkachuk visits Johnny Gaudreau’s daughter in Columbus ahead Florida Panthers' match

Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk paid a visit to the family of his late former teammate Johnny Gaudreau, sharing a heartwarming moment with Gaudreau's young daughter Noa. He made up time during a trip to Columbus to spend some quality time with the late player’s daughter and pay a visit to his wife, Meredith Gaudreau.

Meanwhile, Meredith Gaudreau snapped the heartwarming picture on Wednesday night, the day before the Panthers lock horns with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith, shared a photo of the moment on her Instagram story with the caption: “Dinner and a show, Noa x Uncle Chucky. In the picture, Noa and Tkachuk are seen spending quality time with each other in their house in Columbus.


Earlier, during the Winter Olympics in Milan, the 28-year-old and the rest of the Team USA men's hockey team honored Gaudreau right after they defeated Canada and clinched the first gold medal in 46 years for the Red, White, and Blue. The team skated around the ice, holding up Gaudreau’s jersey. The team members also ran into the stands to bring the Gaudreau kids on the ice for a team photo.

The emotional visit of Tkachuk, who briefly stepped from the competition to reconnect with Gaudreau’s loved ones, serves as a reminder of Gaudreau’s enduring legacy in the hockey world and the close friendship that is still cherished by the player.


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