NHL Insider Facing Criticism for Insensitive Comments on Johnny Gaudreau

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Liam McCormick
October 7, 2024 (11:41)

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NHL insider Frank Seravalli is facing some criticism today for arguably making an insensitive comment on the passing of Johnny Gaudreau.

In an article for Seravalli's bold takes this season, he said Columbus will win the Draft Lottery for the first overall pick, and somehow connected it to Johnny Gaudreau. Seravalli has edited the sentence multiple times since, but fans still aren't happy with the comment. Seravalli's original statement read:

''With a little help from Gaudreau, the Columbus Blue Jackets will win the 2025 Draft Lottery. It's the only consolation prize on a brutal year, but hope and help is on the way.''
- Frank Seravalli

The comment can be read to insinuate that the Blue Jackets will benefit from Gaudreau's passing by them being a worse team, which is a truly awful and disgusting thing to say.

Seravalli probably didn't mean to say exactly that, but it's how many fans have interpreted it. He's since edited the statement to say ''with help from Gaudreau in heaven'', but fans still think the comment is incredibly insensitive. And it really is. Gaudreau's passing is a tragedy with implications far more serious than hockey.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were fatally struck by a drunk driver in late August. The hockey world was shocked to lose two beloved people, and came together to mourn the brothers for weeks. Throughout the season, teams will continue to honour the Gaudreau's.

Hockey fans are right to be up in arms about this comment, one which Seravalli should apologize for in the coming days. It's incredibly difficult to navigate a personal tragedy in the sport, but with a story so serious as Gaudreau's, personal understanding and empathy is most important. Enough fans were offended by the insensitivity of Seravalli's comment, and he should answer the concerns soon.