Top NHL insider Frank Seravalli now faces an enormous amount of backlash on social media for comments he made regarding the late Johnny Gaudreau, who was killed by a drunk driver the evening before his sister’s wedding this summer. Johnny’s brother Matthew was also killed, leaving the world of hockey in shock and mourning. Johnny Hockey was one of the most well-liked players in the league, universally respected and adored by anyone.
On Monday, NHL writer Frank Seravalli, who’s also the President of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, published his annual list of ’32 predictions for the upcoming season’ for the Daily Faceoff. When he made his prediction for the Blue Jackets’ upcoming season, he made an insensitive reference to Johnny Gaudreau and the Blue Jackets potentially winning the draft lottery.
”With a little help from Gaudreau, the Columbus Blue Jackets will win the 2025 Draft Lottery,” the original story from Seravalli read. ”It’s the only consolation prize on a brutal year, but hope and help is on the way. Bananas that the Blue Jackets have never won the Lottery.”
READ MORE: Connor Bedard picks Mathew Barzal as his dream linemate
Fans took offense to Seravalli’s phrasing, and amid the backlash on social media, Seravalli’s piece was updated twice. The first edit read, ’With a little help from above,’ instead of ’With a little help from Gaudreau. The second edit read, ’With a little help from Gaudreau in heaven,’ but later, the reference to Gaudreau was removed altogether.
After a while, Seravalli was forced to issue a clarification about the wording he used, apologizing and promising to be better.
”Earlier today, in an annual season predictions column, I picked the Columbus Blue Jackets to win the Draft Lottery and included commentary about Johnny Gaudreau looking down on them from heaven for good luck,” Seravalli posted in a statement on social media.
”What I wrote and how my poor choice of words was received was not intended to create any hurt or anger. Especially as a member of the Philly hockey community, I’ve been absolutely gutted by John and Matty’s passing – like so many around the hockey world. This tragedy is a difficult topic we’re all grappling with and what I wrote was never intended to add to that. Simply put, I should not have tied the two together. I am sorry and I promise to be better.”
READ MORE: David Ayres signs new hockey contract
On social media, many praised Seravalli for apologizing and owning the mistake. But many were still furious that the piece was given the green light to be published in the first place.
”Props to him for owning up to it ig but still what a terrible look for him, daily faceoff, and the PWHA,” one user said on social media.
