"May god watch over his children": Oilers' Evander Kane mourns the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau

NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother and former ECHL standout Matthew Gaudreau were tragically killed this week while riding their bikes. According to reports, the two brothers were out riding their bikes in Philadelphia before their sister's wedding on Friday. The NHL community is deeply affected by the tragic news and offers its condolences to the family.

Many NHL players have shared heartfelt words in memory of the Gaudreau brothers, Edmonton Oilers standout Evander Kane being among them. On Friday morning, Kane reposted a photo of Johnny Gaudreau and his wife alongside their two kids on his Instagram story.

The tribute came amid a slew of reactions from the NHL community, with players around the league joining fans in posting kind words and memories. Although Kane and Gaudreau never competed on the same team, the NHL community has shown that in times of trouble, we are all one.

In a heartfelt Instagram story, Kane offered his condolences to the Gaudreau's while sending his love to Johnny Gaudreau's wife and two kids.

"Absolute shock and sadness to here about the tragic passing of Johnny and his brother Matthew. So unfortunate and another reminder on how precious life is. We as a family send their family all the love and strength during this unimaginable time. May God watch over his children and his family," he wrote.

@EvanderKane - Instagram

"Shocked and devastated" - Columbus Blue Jackets release statement on tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau

The news of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's tragic deaths was shared late Thursday night. At the time, there was little official information to go on.

Eventually, the local police confirmed the news. They reported that a 43-year-old man named Sean Higgins was responsible for the accident and had been arrested. According to reports, Higgins was driving and attempting to overtake two cars after 8 p.m. local time when he hit the Gaudreau brothers, who were riding bikes.

Police suspect that Higgins was driving under the influence and arrested him the same night. Shortly after the tragic news was confirmed, the Columbus Blue Jackets released the following statement on X, formerly known as Twitter:

"The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.

"We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their family and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matthew."

In the state of New Jersey, a "death by auto" charge carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. However, given that Higgins was booked on two charges, he could be facing up to 20 years in prison for that charge alone, excluding any charges related to driving under the influence.