"Truly special player, dazzling on the ice": Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving mourns the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau and brother Mathew

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving was shocked to learn about the sudden tragic deaths of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. The Gaudreau brothers died in a biking accident on Thursday in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.

Treliving, Johnny Gaudreau’s former boss with the Calgary Flames, expressed his grief.

"I am absolutely devastated by the news of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew's passing," he said. "John was a truly special player, dazzling on the ice with his incredible talent, but what made him truly special was the person he was off the ice."

Treliving remembered Gaudreau's positive energy and his love for family:

"His thousand-watt smile and infectious personality were matched only by his love for his family, friends, and those close to him. He brought joy to everyone around him and to the many who never knew him but marveled at his excellence on the ice."

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were biking when they were hit by a driver suspected of being under the influence of alcohol. The driver, Sean M. Higgins, was charged with two counts of death.

Treliving offered his condolences to the Gaudreau family and urged others to cherish their loved ones in Johnny’s memory.

"Family was everything to John, and in his memory, please hug those close to you tighter and longer today and every day," Treliving said.

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Columbus Blue Jackets response over Johnny Gaudreau's tragic death

The Columbus Blue Jackets shared their sadness over the tragic death of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.

“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," the team's statement read (via NHL.com).

Johnny Gaudreau’s love for hockey was clear in every game he played. He had a special way of thrilling fans from his time at Boston College to his career with the Calgary Flames, Team USA and the Blue Jackets.

The Blue Jackets said Johnny Gaudreau embraced the Columbus community when he joined the team, and he will be deeply missed. They committed to supporting his family and each other during this difficult time. The team also asked for prayers and requested privacy during this difficult time.