Sean Monahan’s incredible season with the Columbus Blue Jackets took an emotional turn when he received the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy – and an unexpected visitor made the moment even more special.
Meredith Gaudreau surprised Monahan in Toronto to present the award, which recognizes players who show extraordinary dedication and perseverance in hockey. For Monahan, this season was about much more than just the game.
Last August, tragedy struck when Monahan’s close friend and teammate Johnny Gaudreau, along with Johnny’s brother Matthew, were killed by a car while cycling near Philadelphia. Johnny was 31. Matthew was 29.
The loss hit Monahan hard. He’d just signed a $27.5 million deal with Columbus to play alongside Johnny, his former Calgary Flames teammate of nine years.
“I couldn’t even bring myself to the rink,” Monahan told The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline. “I didn’t know what was going to happen.”
But with support from those around him – especially Meredith Gaudreau – Monahan found the strength to return to the ice. It turned out to be exactly what he needed.
Despite his personal struggles, Monahan put together an impressive season. He racked up 57 points in 54 games, including 19 goals and 38 assists, helping the Blue Jackets to a 40-33-9 record.
Through it all, he never left Meredith’s side.
“Sean was there for every tribute,” Meredith said in an emotional video shared by the NHL. Fighting back tears, she added: “You mean everything to John. You persevered through one of the hardest things… I know John is so proud of you.”
The award ceremony became a touching moment of recognition – not just for Monahan’s play on the ice, but for his character through an unimaginably difficult year.
