LOS ANGELES — In an emotional moment at the NHL draft held Friday night, Meredith Gaudreau stepped onto the stage of the Peacock Theater to announce the Columbus Blue Jackets’ first-round selections. This moment came almost a year after the tragic loss of her husband, John, affectionately known as “Johnny Hockey,” and his brother, who both died in a cycling accident just before their sister’s wedding.
The crowd erupted with chants of “Johnny! Johnny!” as a tribute to the former player, showing solidarity and support for Gaudreau. Meredith expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the overwhelming support from fans and teams throughout the difficult season her family endured.
“It’s truly an honor to be here,” said Gaudreau. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank every team and fan base for your unwavering support this past season.”
With the 14th overall pick, Gaudreau announced that the Blue Jackets selected Jackson Smith. On a subsequent video call with reporters, Smith described the experience as surreal and deeply moving. He expressed gratitude for being part of such a meaningful occasion.
“It was incredible,” Smith reflected. “The outpouring of love and support for the Gaudreau family was palpable in the arena. Being chosen in that moment added a significant layer of meaning to this milestone in my career.”
Later in the draft, Meredith returned to announce the Blue Jackets’ 20th pick, choosing Russian goaltender Pyotr Andreyanov. The evening served as a poignant reminder of resilience and unity within the hockey community.