Former Bruins forward and Flames great Jarome Iginla remembers the Gaudreaus
Just before Labor Day weekend, the hockey and sports world learned of the tragic deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
Their deaths have shocked the hockey world, from the players, coaches, and front office executives to fans alike.
Former Bruin and longtime Calgary Flames great Jerome Iginla offered his condolences to the Gaudreau family over the terrible tragedy.
“My family and I mourn the deaths of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” wrote Iginla.
“While I never had the privilege to play with Johnny, the times we met or played against each other, I could feel how special he was. His love of the game and positive energy radiated from him. "Johnny Hockey" made our sport better in many special ways. My family and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have spent time with him, and we will always be his fans.
“With broken hearts, we pray for the Gaudreau family and friends during this devastating time. May your soul and your brother’s soul rest in peace.”
Iginla and Gaudreau never played together in Calgary, but the players are considered two of the best to ever wear a Flames sweater. Iginla is the Flames all-time points leader with 1,095, while Gaudreau recorded the fifth-most with 609.
Iginla was a member of the Bruins during the 2013-14 season. He played 78 games, scoring 30 goals and having 31 assists for 61 points.
He would leave Boston the following offseason when the forward signed a three-year, $16 million deal with the Colorado Avalanche. Iginla was paid $5.5 million each of the first two seasons and $5 million in the final year for that contact.
The Bruins nearly traded for Iginla the year before, winning the sweepstakes to acquire the star. Boston would have sent defenseman Matt Bartkowski, prospect Alexander Khokhlachev, and a first-round draft pick to the Flames. Iginla rejected the trade and was moved to the Penguins instead.
The former Flames legend now works for Calgary’s front office and is a special advisor to general manager Craig Conroy.
