Red Wings Larkin Honoring Old Friend

Often when he was playing on hockey’s world stage for USA Hockey, Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin was suiting up alongside Johnny Gaudreau.

“I think the last three USA World championships I played in, it was with Johnny,” Larkin recalled.

The two became close friends through their shared international hockey journey.

Last spring, Gaudreau sought desperately to convince Larkin to join him at the IIHF World Championship in Czechia. Requiring offseason surgery, Larkin didn’t go.

At the time, he didn’t realize it would be their last chance to suit up as teammates.

"It's gonna be hard and definitely a motivator."

Dylan Larkin said Johnny Gaudreau will be remembered and missed by Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off. pic.twitter.com/UaRXXFAeSr

— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) February 12, 2025

“Obviously last year I wanted to go to play with him,” Larkin said. “He was probably one of the big reasons they had a really good team going over there. And he called me and said, ‘let’s play one more.’

“And we’re getting to a different stage in our lives with kids. So it was hard not to be there and have to sit at home and have surgery.”

Tragically, Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were both killed in the summer. While riding their bikes, they were struck and killed by a drunk driver.

Red Wings Larkin Missing Gaudreau

USA Hockey is keeping Gaudreau with the team in spirit. He’s been assigned a stall in the team’s dressing room during the 4 Nations Face-Off. His No. 13 jersey will hang in the stall throughout the tournament, serving as an inspiration to his many friends wearing the red, white and blue.

The USA opens tournament play Thursday in Montreal facing Finland.

Dylan Larkin posts about Johnny Gaudreau's passing: pic.twitter.com/CAC7ULwgi9

— Devin L. (@HockeyWithDevin) August 30, 2024

“I guess what I was trying to say Is it’s going to be weird with him not there,” Larkin said. “And the staff, everyone knows him. All the guys played with him, whether with their clubs or with USA.

“And I know last year’s world championships, he went there to try and bounce back from his season in Columbus and try and make that team. And he had a great tournament.”

Gaudreau collected 11 points in eight games at the worlds.

“He ended up all time leader in points and for USA Hockey, which is an unbelievable accomplishment and just shows his dedication to his country and to USA Hockey,” Larkin said.

“So it’s gonna be hard and definitely a motivator.”