Last Friday night, all in attendance at the Peacock Theatre — home of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft — rose to their feet as the wife of the late Johnny Gaudreau walked to the podium. An already emotional night intensified, as Meredith Gaudreau was about to announce the Columbus Blue Jackets’ first-round pick.
With “Johnny” chants echoing in the background, Meredith Gaudreau thanked everyone for their continuous support then looked down at her notecard. She read: “With the 14th overall selection in the 2025 NHL draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets are proud to select from the Tri-City Americans, Jackson Smith.