Overheard at NHLPA Rookie Showcase: Memory of Gaudreau and other names such as McGroarty and Gauthier discussing trade outcomes; other buzzworthy comments were heard as well as several others discussing buzzworthy matters like trade aftermath etc.

Greg Wyshynski of ESPN reported the following in Arlington Virginia. Johnny Gaudreau was Will Smith’s hockey hero before attending Boston College himself where Gaudreau eventually made an NCAA legendic. Gaudreau could be found everywhere when Smith played at BC – from record books and trophy cases at Eagles Arena all the way to BC itself. Now, Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau (31), his brother Matthew (29) and their friend Joshua Pappas are being honored inside Conte Forum with floral offerings and memorial tributes in his memory. On Aug 29th they were killed when hit by an suspected drunk driver while biking together through New Jersey. “He meant everything. Even his nickname: Johnny Hockey.” His death left a massive hole in the hockey world – including among young players at Arlington for this NHLPA rookie showcase event, many who watched this all-star winger play his magic on ice for so many years before his untimely demise in 2013. Smith lamented: “This will always remain with me; this news is tragic; this time has been tough for my teammate at IIHF Worlds (in Czechia earlier this year)!” Gaudreau was Smith’s hockey idol before becoming his teammate on U.S. national team during worlds tournament in Czechia earlier this year. Smith remembered an unforgettable memory when Boston College players, such as Gaudreau, Kevin Hayes and Ryan Leonard — played an off day round of golf together and Gaudreau made them laugh: “He would always bring laughter!” recalled Smith. “That was one of those days I will always remember,” Smith noted, recalling one of his greatest losses as teammate Macklin Celebrini was nominated to replace Gaudreau at No. 1. Nonetheless, Celebrini felt immense sadness over Gaudreau’s passing: “You just never really expect something like this to occur… ” And when that day arrives… even though I didn’t really know him well, it hits you hard,” Gaudreau lamented. “He was someone that I watched play for years on end as an observer.” Celebrini attended Boston University, an archrival to Gaudreau who attended Boston College. Lane Hutson of Montreal Canadiens defenseman team also held fondness for Gaudreau as well. Hutson saw every time Gaudreau touched the puck as an exciting highlight reel; “he was truly special talent and person,” according to Hutson. Regardless of rivalries or personal animus between players or franchises, Hutson finds it heartbreaking when players pass. “[His death is] indeed saddening loss.” “Players across the NHL are still reeling from Tuesday’s tragedy as training camp approaches, according to reports. The NHLPA sent out an advisory advising Columbus players of counseling services available should any need arise.” This tragedy marks two young lives taken too soon. It’s truly heartbreaking.” Marty Walsh, Executive Director of the NHLPA: “Many players are still reeling,” stated Marty Walsh as they expressed shock over what had transpired at Boston College and beyond. As Marty said: “Our job as NHLPA members should be to support any family affected.” An Anaheim Ducks rookie named Cutter Gauthier who played alongside Smith at Boston College remembers how news of her death affected the players deeply: “On that awful day when it occurred and we went back into practice after being informed by media sources – everyone felt awful inside! It was such a terrible event.” “It still hurts,” Gauthier lamented, recalling Gaudreau’s great legacy at Boston College and winning one of three Hobey Baker awards – it’s truly heartbreaking. Rutger McGroarty watched Gaudreau’s Hobey Baker acceptance speech online after hearing of his passing online and posted it for posterity to see after watching it was also taken place by video streaming sites after Gauthier had passed on. McGroarty noted that Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield had changed to wear No. 34 due to McGroarty’s influence. Caufield previously used No. 22. McGroarty offered his tributes in memory of Gaudreau this season: he “had such an impact on smaller players [like Caufield], showing they could do everything,” as McGroarty noted. God rest his soul. McGroarty and Gauthier look forward to moving onThe NHLPA rookie showcase was the first chance many players got to try on their teams’ jerseys for real. For Cutter Gauthier that meant donning his beloved Ducks jersey in vibrant orange with its classic “Mighty Ducks” logo emblazoned on it – something Cutter Gauthier found appealing: “They look really sweet. “I really liked them a lot; I think they did an outstanding job with the logo,” commented Gauthier upon seeing Josh Doan and Cutter Gauthier wearing their respective Utah and Ducks apparel at the NHLPA rookie showcase. Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) September 4, 2024 It’s ironic that Cutter Gauthier ended up donning orange as an NHL player; after being chosen fifth overall at the 2022 NHL draft and wearing an orange Flyers jersey when expressing excitement to join their franchise, Philadelphia traded Gauthier away to Anaheim Ducks shortly afterwards in early January in exchange for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round selection in 2025 NHL draft. Comcast Spectacor chairman Dan Hilferty made clear his feelings were firm on not wanting him in Philadelphia anymore and fans’ responses to that decision had been swift and often hostile. Gauthier claimed there had been death threats among the hundreds of messages he received, while Boston College fans showed up wearing Flyers jerseys to his games. Hilferty himself issued an extremely harsh farewell, writing: “I don’t feel sorry for Cutter when he visits Philadelphia. “He earned it.” And yet here was Gauthier this week still wearing orange jerseys from when the Ducks switched jerseys; there have been no complaints against his choice – in fact it looks great!” “Stories from ESPN+,” provides access to thousands of premium articles written by top writers each year, covering news from across sports. From MLB core rankings and talent signings, Panic Index updates and team performance data. Plus: $151M offered for 31 year-old third baseman?! >> Find More ESPN+ Content >>
Gauthier has been regularly asked by reporters since his trade to Philadelphia about what the Ducks will experience during their first trip there in 2025, which should prove exciting and bustling with activity. “I expect a fun game filled with lots of energy. Not too concerned about it yet though!” he quipped. Just go out there and play my game and do my thing and we’ll see,” said Averill. Averill does not think his earlier controversy with the Flyers will impact his rookie season with the Ducks: “That situation doesn’t put any additional stress or burden onto me; things just didn’t pan out that way. Now I am proud and eager to join the Ducks as one, hoping I can do all I can do help them win games. Rutger McGroarty made an unexpected but similarly infuriating choice about which team would draft him: the Winnipeg Jets selected him 14th overall at the 2022 NHL draft; yet after making this choice he chose not to sign with them due to concerns regarding their “development path” at that franchise. In August, the Jets traded McGroarty to Pittsburgh Penguins for forward prospect Brayden Yager in exchange. There has since been some backlash on social media against McGroarty that should not have happened; I won’t get too detailed here but some things can certainly happen between teams or franchises that involve players being traded away or traded to rival teams. “That said, yes there has definitely been some stuff around that situation; some fans expressed displeasure for him being traded here too and now over there in Pittsburgh”. “Every now and again when scrolling Instagram something pops up that reminds me that something’s still bothering me… You just have to learn from your experiences, live with what comes your way, and just move forward,” said Mr. Barilotto. “But when I arrived in Pittsburgh, some fans sent some amazing notes expressing how happy and excited they were about seeing me again – it was incredible to witness. Fan interactions are all part of being an athlete.” McGroarty learned an invaluable lesson by witnessing private discussions become public information so quickly, which he called out the media for doing such a good job of finding stuff out: “They do such a good job.” To reporters he explained it all was better that this happened in summertime rather than during season time: At first it caught me by surprise but eventually it didn’t bother me too much.” Rutger McGroarty of the Penguins says his favorite part of attending an NHLPA Rookie Combine event was meeting Matt Rempe from NY Rangers as “one-of-a-kind person. I hope I get another opportunity.” Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) shared this tweet from Greg McGroarty on September 4, 2024: He’s delighted at how everything turned out, like Gauthier did before him. pic.twitter.com/4ENPjtxHP– Greg Wyshynski At the NHLPA showcase, Ben made his first public appearance wearing a Penguins jersey without his name and number emblazoned upon it yet. He applauded its championship history while hailing GM Kyle Dubas as “an incredible hockey mind”. He’s especially ecstatic to join Sidney Crosby’s team: “Obviously I love America; when he scored that golden goal at the 2010 Olympics it still gives chills when watching it to this day; who doesn’t love Sid?” he quipped. “Doan Family Curse,” The NHLPA rookie showcase featured Josh Doan wearing his inaugural jersey as an inaugural member of Utah Utes in NHL’s new clubhouse – it marked an unprecedented opportunity. Doan noted, “This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join one of my new organizations.” Doan could feel Utah becoming a hockey city immediately upon landing, wearing his father’s jersey to his first game he ever played in Utah – an experience made more special by wearing an NHL Utah shirt with its inaugural patch for himself for his inaugural appearance at a game! “Josh Doan wearing an NHL Utah jersey for the inaugural time with its inaugural patch. Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) September 4, 2024 For Doan, it was bittersweet when Utah Hockey Club started up and meant the end of Arizona Coyotes hockey as his childhood team, where his late father Shane spent 21-year NHL career. But that just adds another bittersweet element into Doan’s decision process! “From day one I was an admirer of the Coyotes. Losing your home team can never be an easy transition no matter the sport you pursue”, he noted. “Hockey can often bring with it unexpected opportunities and the Doan family is no exception – here we see an exciting one presented.” “Hockey often produces amazing coincidences; just take their journey. “Hockey offers plenty of such moments.” Shane Doan made his NHL debut for the Winnipeg Jets during 1995-96 before the franchise relocated to Phoenix and played one season. Josh Doan made his NHL debut for the Arizona Coyotes last season before they were sold and relocated to Salt Lake City as part of Smith Entertainment Group for 2024-25 season. Josh Doan played his final game for Arizona Coyotes before signing as member of Utah Hockey Club for 2025-25 season. “There have been reports mentioning our family as having caused hardship for specific teams – such as no team drafting him because his dad has cursed them -,” Josh Doan noted. “To have that sort of start my NHL career was definitely amusing and unique experience.” Doan explained his decision as being down to bad timing.” “People criticized our organization for not having its name ready immediately when starting up,” explained Utah Hockey Club spokesman Chris Martin. “Players don’t mind it; their jerseys look nicer that way anyway!” “I like that it says Utah on it, we like it and will have fun with it,” Doan stated about Utah’s forthcoming team name – with much speculation speculating on “Yeti.” That would certainly satisfy Doan; in an online poll for team naming rights he cast his vote for that name as an eventual moniker. “Yeti would be amazing, with its mountains and other features like I mentioned earlier – that would probably be my top pick,” he noted. Latest on CBA TalksThe current Collective Bargaining Agreement between NHL and NHLPA expires after 2025-26 season and must be extended through negotiations for new terms to take place before then. Marty Walsh will lead his inaugural collective bargaining agreement negotiations since taking over Don Fehr as executive director in 2023. “Collective bargaining never really stops; it is constantly going,” Walsh noted, but noted they hadn’t engaged any major conversations yet with any one party involved. “We’re still processing it; it’s still too soon. “Walsh recognizes that the NHL recently completed an outstanding year in terms of attendance, television viewership and revenue – with seven games going the distance in its Stanley Cup Final. Walsh will visit all 32 franchises prior and early into 2024-25 season in order to collect player feedback on what their desired results should be for the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). “We will discuss with players and agents our plans to establish the next Collective Bargaining Agreement [CBA], starting next season,” he stated. Recent contracts signed are evidence that players and agents alike are anticipating CBA talks in 2019. TSN noted recently that multiyear contracts that extend into 2026-27 regular season show an upsurge of signing bonus activity around when their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) ends, according to Walsh’s observations. He did not seem concerned by this trend though: ”No I don’t care at all.” “What I enjoy about this project is its versatility: This won’t be my first collective bargain agreement; in fact, I have worked on many more – either being involved personally from its conception all the way through or being brought in just for issue resolution purposes – which means there will definitely be an orderly process involved in reaching an agreement,” said McDonough.