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Ex-Calgary Flames player Monahan brought to tears after heartwarming moment with Meredith Gaudreau

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
|
Jun 5 2025, 6:20 pm
Ex-Calgary Flames player Monahan brought to tears after heartwarming moment with Meredith Gaudreau
NHL

Sean Monahan got a great surprise from Meredith Gaudreau, the wife of Johnny Gaudreau, earlier this week.

The former Calgary Flames forward and now Columbus Blue Jacket was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, given annually to the player who, “best exemplifies the qualities of perserverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.”

That certainly sums up Monahan this season, as the 30-year-old was playing with a heavy heart this season after losing his best friend, Johnny, in a tragic accident late last summer.

Meredith, who is also great friends with Monahan, was contacted by the NHL to inform her that he had won the award, and in heartwarming fashion, was able to deliver the trophy.

Monahan was both surprised and emotional by the gesture. Meredith was also very emotional but remained strong, as she has throughout the difficult period she and the entire Gaudreau family have been going through.

“Sean, you mean everything to John, so it’s just really special that I could be a part of this,” Meredith said. “This one is about you. You persevered through one of the hardest things. You just lead by example, and this one is celebrating your character and how good of a person you are. I know John is so proud of you.”

Monahan had signed in Columbus months prior to Gaudreau’s passing so that the two could be reunited after spending several seasons together with the Flames. Despite the unimaginably difficult times, he was able to put together a very strong 2024-25 season, scoring 19 goals and 57 points in 54 games.

“Winning the Bill Masterton Trophy means a lot to me,” Monahan said. “It’s a real big honour. There’s a lot of special names on that trophy, and the meaning behind it is something I take great pride in in day-to-day life. Being on a team, being a father, a husband, it’s a special thing. Obviously fresh right now, but it’s something I’m definitely going to be reflecting on a lot.”

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