Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy penned a letter of tribute to Johnny Gaudreau two days after the tragic death of the former Flame.
“There are no words to express my sorrow to the Gaudreau family,” Conroy wrote. “I know there are no words that I can provide that will alleviate the suffering of losing both Johnny and Matthew. There isn’t a magic spell that will make us all feel better. But there is love that we can continue to share with the Gaudreaus that will play a part in helping them heal.”
Conroy was assistant general manager in 2014 when Gaudreau was making the choice on whether to leave Boston College in the NCAA to join the NHL or to return for his senior year. He was part of the group of Flames front office executives that flew to the Frozen Four in Philadelphia in order to persuade Gaudreau to migrate north following the tournament.
“In 2014 we boarded a plane to Philadelphia with the goal of bringing the next Flames superstar back to Calgary,” Conroy said. “While there were uncertain moments during our time in Philly, it was a successful trip and we brought ‘Johnny Hockey’ home… signed, sealed, and delivered.
“Over the next nine years, I had the privilege to have a front row seat to watch this young boy mature into a true NHL star but more importantly, to grow to be a wonderful man, son, husband, and father.”
Gaudreau played in Calgary from his NHL debut in 2014 through 2022, finishing his tenure with the fourth-most points in franchise history with 609 in 602 games, while also establishing himself as one of the greatest passers of his era.
He left the team in free agency during the 2022 off-season, signing with the Columbus Blue Jackets in order to be closer to family — something Conroy noted meant everything to Gaudreau.
“We know of all his accomplishments, becoming a father and husband was by far the one he was proudest,” he continued. “To Johnny’s wife Meredith and children Noa and Lil’ Johnny, Jane and Guy, sisters Katie and Kristen, and Matthew’s wife Madeline, Calgary will continue to be here for you and will always welcome you with open arms and hearts.
“My heartfelt condolences.”
