Matthew Tkachuk makes heartbreaking admission about Johnny Gaudreau

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Axel Williams
September 25, 2024 (8:16 PM)

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Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau shared a special bond together as they played on the Calgary Flames where they were amazing linemates.

In a new interview with The Athletic, Tkachuk revealed something heartbreaking about Gaudreau. Essentially, the two were convinced that they would play together one day for Team USA at the Olympics. However, they were never able to because the NHL stopped allowing its players to go. In 2026, that will change, but unfortunately, the two former teammates will not be able to reunite.

«You have to understand that Johnny and I talked about being in the Olympics together a lot,» Tkachuk said. «In 2022, when they canceled us from being in the Olympics, we were so upset. We were both playing really well together in Calgary and we thought we were going to be so good in the Olympics. We talked about it all the time. That was a tough one. He had played for Team USA in so many big events, and I know it meant a lot to him. Obviously, we would have been together this time. It's tough to think about right now. But I know he would have been excited for those tournaments and he will be on my mind during those times even more than he usually is.»

Tkachuk also spoke on just how hard it has been to be away from Gaudreau. Ever since his trade to the Florida Panthers, Tkachuk has been talking nonstop about Gaudreau and is grateful for the stories he has about the superstar.

«Ever since I left Calgary and came to Florida, all I ever do is tell stories about Johnny,» Tkachuk said. «At one point, I was probably telling the guys down here a Johnny story once a week. I was always talking about him, about something funny he had done, something he had done in practice, whatever. He was the kind of guy that you could never get out of your mind, and I hated being away from him.»

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Source: The Athletic
Matthew Tkachuk on friend, former teammate Johnny Gaudreau: �I'm going to keep his memory alive'