John Michael Gaudreau was an American professional ice hockey winger who played 11 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played college ice hockey for the Division I ranked Boston College Eagles for three seasons beginning in 2011, and was selected in the fourth round, 104th overall, by the Calgary Flames in the 2011 NHL entry draft. Nicknamed "
Johnny Hockey", he was named the 2014 recipient of the Hobey Baker Award as the best player in the NCAA, and, during his first full NHL season in 2014â15, was selected to play in the 2015 NHL All-Star Game, as well as being named to the annual NHL All-Rookie team. Gaudreau was a Calder Memorial Trophy finalist for the NHL's best rookie, and won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy as the league's most gentlemanly player for the 2016â17 season. In 2022, Gaudreau signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he spent two seasons until his death in 2024.