Fans hoping for the NHL to rename a major award in honor of Johnny Gaudreau

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Tyler Ball
September 1, 2024 (7:15 PM)

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Today a new movement has been created in the aftermath of the passing of Johnny Gaudreau to get his name attached to a prestigious NHL award.

The NHL and hockey community has been surrounded in shock and sadness over the past several days. The passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau after a tragic accident has left fans, players, media, and others gutted by the loss of two hockey icons.

Since the passing of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau was confirmed the hockey community has been trying to find ways to honor the two young men. In recent days several individuals have suggested renaming the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy after Johnny Gaudreau. The trophy is presented for gentlemanly play and sportsmanship and is the only individual award that Johnny Gaudreau won in his career.

JFresh a well-respected voice in the online hockey community has proposed replacing the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy which is voted on currently by the media with the Gaudreau Trophy. This would be voted on by the NHL Players Association and be a true testament to a player voted on by their peers.

This is a decision that ultimately would need to be made by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. The NHL will likely have several events and moments to celebrate and remember the Gaudreau brothers. With how much of an impact they had on the hockey community naming this award after them would be the ultimate sign of respect.

As the NHL season gets underway hopefully this movement gets enough support that the NHL seriously consider making the move to change the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy to the Gaudreau Memorial Trophy.

Source: Oilers Daily
Calls for NHL to rename player award after Johnny Gaudreau