Johnny Gaudreau was born on August 13, 1993 in Carney's Point, New Jersey. A standout scorer at an early age, he starred for the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL an was selected by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Prior to making his NHL debut Gaudreau would attend Boston College where he would continue to score at a prodigious pace. In his third season at Boston College he would tally 36 goals and 80 points in just 40 games and was awarded the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in NCAA hockey.
Gaudreau would make his NHL debut for the Flames on the same day (April 11, 2014) he received the Hobey Baker Award. Following the ceremony, Johnny signed an entry-level deal with the Flames and suited up for the club that night. He would go on to score the Flames lone goal of the game on his first shot of his professional career.
Following training camp, Gaudreau would crack the Flames lineup for the 2014-15 season. He would start off slowly, but his offensive game would soon find its stride. On March 11, 2015 he became the first Flames rookie since Joe Nieuwendyk to reach the 50 point mark. Gaudreau would continue to impress during his second season with the Flames. His 30 goals, 48 assists and 78 points were all tops amongst Flames skaters.
In 2016, Gaudreau was named to the North American team for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. He teamed up other NHL stars from both the United States and Canada who were 23 years old and under.
Gaudreau would appear in 72 games for the Flames during the 2016-17 season. He scored 18 times and added 43 assists for a team-high 61 points. Along the way Gaudreau recorded just two minor penalties. He was awarded the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy at season's end for his gentlemanly play.
