NHL writer called out for insensitive reference to Johnny Gaudreau

NHL writer Frank Seravalli made an insensitive reference to Johnny Gaudreau less than two months after the former Columbus Blue Jackets All-Star and his brother Matthew were killed by a drunk driver in New Jersey.

Seravalli, President of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, published his annual list of 32 predictions for the upcoming season, where he promised to make a “fool” out of himself. And it was his prediction for the Blue Jackets where many on social media would argue Seravalli delivered on his promise with a surprising blunder.

“With a little help from Gaudreau, the Columbus Blue Jackets will win the 2025 Draft Lottery,” the original story from Seravalli read. “It’s the only consolation prize on a brutal year, but hope and help is on the way. Bananas that the Blue Jackets have never won the Lottery.”

None of these are it – just stop pic.twitter.com/OPheQDuqnh

— The Win Column (@wincolumnCGY) October 7, 2024

The wording is awkward at best and offensive at worst, as it could be perceived as attempting to put a positive or beneficial spin on Gaudreau’s death. Amid the backlash on social media, the wording in Seravalli’s piece was updated twice, according to shared screenshots. The first edit read, “With a little help from above,” and the second edit read, “With a little help from Gaudreau in heaven.”

Shortly after 4 p.m. ET, the reference to Gaudreau was removed from the article altogether following hours of backlash, and Seravalli issued a clarification about his initial wording.

Earlier today, in an annual season predictions column, I picked the Columbus Blue Jackets to win the Draft Lottery and included commentary about Johnny Gaudreau looking down on them from heaven for good luck.

What I wrote and how my poor choice of words was received was not…

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 7, 2024

“Earlier today, in an annual season predictions column, I picked the Columbus Blue Jackets to win the Draft Lottery and included commentary about Johnny Gaudreau looking down on them from heaven for good luck,” Seravalli posted on social media.

“What I wrote and how my poor choice of words was received was not intended to create any hurt or anger. Especially as a member of the Philly hockey community, I’ve been absolutely gutted by John and Matty’s passing – like so many around the hockey world. This tragedy is a difficult topic we’re all grappling with and what I wrote was never intended to add to that. Simply put, I should not have tied the two together. I am sorry and I promise to be better.”

Gaudreau, 31, and his 29-year-old brother Matthew were killed while riding bicycles in Oldmans Township, Salem County, New Jersey, on August 29, the eve of their sister’s wedding, when a drunk driver struck them.

[Daily Faceoff]