Death of Johnny Gaudreau | What impact for the Blue Jackets?

The tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau has deeply shaken the hockey world. In addition to the obvious human impacts of this tragedy, his loss will also have inevitable consequences on the sporting level, as NHL training camps are set to open in just over two weeks. Four questions to help you see things more clearly.

What happens to a player’s contract if he loses his life?

If a player under contract with an NHL club dies, the contract in question ends immediately. That means that the average sum of $9.75 million that Gaudreau was supposed to pocket over the next four seasons will be subtracted from the Blue Jackets’ payroll. His family will, however, be able to receive compensation through life insurance, whether the player took it out personally or through the league and the players’ association.

Is this an unprecedented situation?

Sadly, no. In 2011, an overdose claimed the life of tough guy Derek Boogaard, who had signed a four-year contract the previous summer with the New York Rangers. Boogaard and, now, Gaudreau are the two most significant cases of this type to have occurred since the NHL imposed a salary cap on teams in 2005. Among the big stars who have perished at the height of their hockey careers are goaltender Pelle Lindbergh (1985) and forward Michel Brière (1971), both of whom were killed in car accidents.

What will the Blue Jackets do?

It’s cruel to put it this way, but unless the NHL grants them a waiver, the Blue Jackets will have to find a way to spend their cap hit the league minimum of $65 million. According to PuckPedia, following the trade of Patrik Laine and the tragic loss of Johnny Gaudreau, the club’s cap hit is down to $62.3 million, with a roster of 22 players (12 forwards, 8 defensemen and 2 goalies). Between now and the start of the season in October, new general manager Don Waddell could sign a veteran who is still available on the unrestricted free agent market, or acquire an injured player to pad his cap without changing his roster.

What about hockey?

While Gaudreau’s production has slowed in Columbus after a career-high 115 points in 2021-22 with the Calgary Flames, the 31-year-old has led his club in scoring over the past two seasons, amassing 134 points in 161 games. With the trade of Jack Roslovic and Patrik Laine, the Jackets will enter next season without three of their top six scorers from the past two years. Several talented young forwards the organization has developed were already expected to play key roles next season, but none of them have Gaudreau’s chops yet. Beyond the mourning that is beginning in the locker room, the impact of “Johnny Hockey’s” death could well be felt on the ice for a long time.