Johnny Gaudreau’s wife is set to be paid by the NHL in an insurance policy that ensures players families are taken care of in the event of tragedies such as that which occurred last week.

One fan initially reported that the Gaudreau family will receive the full amount of his salary for each year of the contract. However, this is not accurate.

Another fan corrected this individual, revealing that the insurance program is only for the first season following the player’s death. As such, Gaudreau’s family will receive one million dollars as a basic protection, plus Gaudreau’s salary for the 2024-25 season. As this fan pointed out though, Gaudreau likely had additional private insurance, which will pay his family separately for whatever that policy was worth.

As Gaudreau’s death is still on the mind of many across the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets held a candle light vigil tonight, honoring Johnny and his brother Matthew after their shocking and sudden deaths last week. Thousands of fans from Columbus and around the league made the trip to honor the forwards outside Nationwide Arena in what can only be described as a remarkable and somber scene.

This was not the only event the Blue Jackets hosted today honoring their star forward. The team also held a press conference where members of the organization, including players, could address the media and fans alike. Many spoke directly to Johnny, thanking him for choosing Columbus in free agency, as the team frequently struggles to attract big name talent.

Both Johnny and Matthew will be dearly missed. May they both rest in peace.