Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau died Thursday. He was 31.

Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were hit by a car while riding their bicycles in New Jersey on Thursday.

The Blue Jackets released the following statement:

“The Columbus Blue Jackets are shocked and devastated by this unimaginable tragedy. Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more importantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, his parents, their families and friends on the sudden loss of Johnny and Matt.

“Johnny played the game with a passion that was evident to everyone who saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love of hockey everywhere he played, from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets. He made fans happy in a way that only Johnny Hockey could. The impact he had on our organization and our sport was immense, but it pales in comparison to the indelible impression he made on everyone who knew him. Johnny embraced our community when he arrived two years ago, and Columbus welcomed him with open arms. We will miss him terribly and will do everything we can to support his family and each other during this tragedy.

“At this time, we ask for prayers for the Gaudreau family and that their privacy be respected as they grieve.”

Gaudreau played the past two seasons with the Blue Jackets after signing as an unrestricted free agent on July 13, 2022. He played the first eight seasons of his career with the Calgary Flames.

“The National Hockey League family is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “While Johnny’s infectious spirit for the game and show-stopping skills on the ice earned him the nickname ‘Johnny Hockey,’ he was more than just a dazzling hockey player; he was a devoted father and beloved husband, son, brother and teammate who endeared himself to all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.

“Gaudreau often told the story of how his father taught him to skate as a child in his home state of New Jersey and he carried that same youthful passion with him throughout his 11 NHL seasons. A skilled playmaker, Gaudreau made seven NHL All-Star Games, where he was always a fan favorite, especially when he showcased his talents in the various skills competitions for which he was so well-suited.

“He will be remembered fondly in Calgary, where he played his first nine seasons with the Flames from 2013-14 to 2021-22, developing into one of our league’s brightest young stars while posting the franchise’s fifth-highest point total. His loss will also be deeply felt in Columbus, the city where he chose to base his family and where he was one of the respected, veteran leaders of a club that was on a run to the playoffs. And both Johnny and Matthew will be mourned at Boston College, where they were teammates the year Johnny won the Hobey Baker Award in 2013-14, and at Gloucester Catholic High School in New Jersey, where they both played and where Matthew was the head hockey coach following his own five-year professional playing career.

“We send our most sincere condolences to his wife, Meredith; their children, Noa and Johnny; his parents, Guy and Jane; and sisters, Kristen and Katie. And we mourn with his teammates, members of the Blue Jackets and Flames organizations, his many friends in hockey, and the countless fans around the world for whom he created indelible memories on and off the ice.”

Gaudreau, who played two seasons at Boston College, scored 743 points (243 goals, 500 assists) in 763 NHL regular season games.