Hockey Writer Addresses Backlash for Saying Johnny Gaudreau’s Death Helps Blue Jackets’ Draft Odds

Hockey author Frank Seravalli apologized after suggesting the loss of life of Johnny Gaudreau would profit the Columbus Blue Jackets in subsequent 12 months’s NHL Draft. 

“Earlier at this time, in an annual season predictions column, I picked the Columbus Blue Jackets to win the Draft Lottery and included commentary about Johnny Gaudreau trying down on them from heaven for good luck,” Seravalli shared through X on Monday, October 7. “What I wrote and the way my poor alternative of phrases was obtained was not meant to create any harm or anger. Particularly as a member of the Philly hockey neighborhood, I’ve been completely gutted by John and Matty’s passing – like so many across the hockey world.”

Gaudreau, who signed a seven-year contract with the Blue Jackets in 2022, and his youthful brother, Matthew Gaudreau, had been struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver whereas using their bikes in Oldmans Township, New Jersey on August 29. 

In Seravalli’s preliminary story, which was printed earlier on Monday, he wrote, “With just a little assist from Gaudreau, the Columbus Blue Jackets will win the 2025 Draft Lottery.” After instantly receiving criticism for the remark, Seravalli amended it to learn, “With just a little assist from Gaudreau in heaven,” earlier than deleting the road altogether. 

The Draft Lottery determines the order of the Draft, with the staff with the worst report having the very best odds at touchdown the No. 1 decide. Basically, Seravelli confronted backlash for seemingly drawing a line between Gaudreau’s loss of life and Columbus’ anticipated on-ice efficiency this season.

“This tragedy is a troublesome subject we’re all grappling with and what I wrote was by no means meant so as to add to that,” Seravalli’s apology continued. “Merely put, I shouldn’t have tied the 2 collectively. I’m sorry and I promise to be higher.”

Seravalli obtained main pushback on social media, even after he tried to clear up the error. 

“Your apology sounds as callous and insensitive because the article,” one individual commented through X. “I solely hope the Gaudreau household didn’t see it – I can’t think about what intestine punch it will be to an already mourning household.”

One other wrote, “Simply stored on modifying earlier than it lastly kicked in that there was no must tie the 2 collectively in any respect.”

Within the midst of the uproar, a few of Seravalli’s followers urged a little bit of grace. 

“I learn it the identical method everybody did however then was pondering nobody would say one thing like that,” one individual wrote. Seravalli is just saying CBJ isn’t an ideal staff and that Johnny Gaudreau is their guardian angel/hockey god watching down on them.”

The Columbus Blue Jackets open the 2024-’25 common NHL season on Thursday, October 10 towards the Minnesota Wild.