Hockey writer Frank Seravalli has been forced to apologize for a “disgusting” comment he made about late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau.
In August, Gaudreau and his younger brother Matt died on the eve of their sister’s wedding when they were hit by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bicycles in New Jersey. The former Columbus star was just 31 years old.
The hockey world was rocked by the death, and Johnny’s wife, Meredith Gaudreau, later revealed that she is pregnant with their third child.
Now Seravalli has come under fire after mentioning the late player in his 32 “bold” predictions for the upcoming NHL season.
‘With a little help Gaudreau, the Columbus Blue Jackets will win the 2025 Draft Lottery. It’s the only consolation prize in a brutal year,’ he wrote, according to a screenshot posted online.
Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother Matt were murdered on the eve of their sister’s wedding.
“I’m sorry and I promise to get better,” hockey writer Frank Seravalli said after his comments.
One user called it “disgusting at best,” while another called on the writer to “step away from his position.”
Other images on social media claim to show that the story was edited to say “with a little help from above” and then “with a little help from Gaudreau in the sky.”
As of this writing, the prediction now reads: “The Columbus Blue Jackets will win the 2025 Draft Lottery.”
In the wake of the backlash, the Daily Faceoff writer apologized on social media. “What I wrote and how my poor choice of words was received was not intended to create any pain or anger,” he said.
“Especially as a member of the Philadelphia hockey community, I am absolutely devastated by the passing of John and Matty, like many in the hockey world,” he said.
‘This tragedy is a difficult topic that we are all dealing with and what I wrote was never intended to add anything more. Simply put, I shouldn’t have brought them together. I’m sorry and I promise to improve.’
The Blue Jackets begin their season on Thursday, and Columbus is set to honor the late NHL star following his death.