The Silver Shield: Johnny Gaudreau defied tall odds to reach NHL ...

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“The Silver Shield” is a column by Kasey Kazliner about the National Hockey League.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau’s lives should have never been taken away.

The brothers were biking in Salem County, New Jersey, on Thursday night, when a drunk driver struck them both, killing them on the eve of their sister’s wedding. Johnny was 31 years old and Matthew was 29.

Matthew spent the bulk of his hockey career in the minors while “Johnny Hockey” led a storied one — battling doubt and adversity — with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets after playing collegiately at Boston College, where he earned the Johnny Manziel-inspired nickname.

Johnny’s draft journey was incredible. Originally overlooked because of his 5-foot-6, 137-pound frame, The elder Gaudreau’s first mission was to prove the scoffing scouts wrong.

Calgary took a chance on the smallest player in the 2011 draft, picking Gaudreau with the No. 104 selection. But at 17 years old and still a boy among men, he would have to earn his NHL status.

Gaudreau grabbed attention by winning the 2011 USHL title with the Dubuque Fighting Saints before joining Boston College.

Gaudreau would soon etch his name in BC history by not only helping the Eagles win a national title in 2012 as a newcomer, but averaging a whopping two points per game just two seasons later to take home the 2014 Hobey Baker award as the top college hockey player.

The Flames didn’t take long to notice his impact and offered Gaudreau his contract the same day he accepted the Hobey Baker.

The rest is history. While Gaudreau’s Flames never received deep-playoff glory, the hard-nosed, dazzling left wing made a name for himself with multiple point-per-game seasons and highlight-level offensive production.

Gaudreau’s final season with Calgary in 2021-22 put other teams on notice, as the then-28-year-old notched 115 points with 40 goals and 75 assists. His point total only trailed Oilers forward Connor McDavid, confirming Gaudreau’s legitimacy as a scoring forward in the league. Gaudreau would look to build off his success, potentially with a new team, as he became a free agent following the Flames’ second-round playoff loss.

To the dismay of Flames fans, Gaudreau chose Columbus as his new home in free agency. His time in Ohio only spanned two seasons and it was primarily during a transition phase for the Blue Jackets, but he was expected to be a mentor for young, up-and-coming players like 2023 No. 3 overall pick Adam Fantilli.

Gaudreau joined a historically unsuccessful Columbus bunch hoping to help change the culture. While he won’t be around to continue his leadership on the ice, the Blue Jackets will carry his torch and play in honor of Johnny Hockey.

A seven-time All-Star, Gaudreau proved his worth despite falling far on draft night. His combination of an infectious spirit, cerebral playmaking and shiftiness made him a unique talent with the ability to impact games and get the crowd on its feet.

Gaudreau will be remembered as a player who gave it all on the ice. As a shorter player, he was scrappy, creating chances in occasionally unconventional ways.

And he won’t be forgotten, not just as a hockey player. Gaudreau was a father, husband and a friend to many. His tragic story will be mourned by supporters across all 32 fanbases, remembering his impact and passion.

Talent comes in all shapes and sizes, even in a league dominated by physicality. At 5-foot-9, Gaudreau wasn’t afraid of anyone. He embraced the challenge and made competition interesting.

May Johnny and Matthew rest in peace.