Johnny Gaudreau, fondly known as "Johnny Hockey," wasn't just a phenomenal player, he was a catalyst of hope. His remarkable journey inspired hundreds of thousands of hockey enthusiasts, especially those who previously felt they had no place in the sport due to their size. Regardless of the challenges, he shattered the glass ceiling and proved that anyone, regardless of stature, can excel and make their mark in the NHL. His sudden and tragic passing broke the hearts of fans worldwide and created a void that may never truly be filled.

In recognition of Johnny's influence, both on the ice and in lives of countless people, we propose retiring the Lady Byng Trophy after the 2024-2025 NHL season. Instead, we advocate establishing the Johnny Gaudreau/Gaudreau Award in his honor. Instituting the Johnny Gaudreau Award isn't just about memorializing a player; it's about embracing the values Johnny epitomized – determination, inclusivity, and the power of dreaming big.

Let us celebrate his legacy and encourage future players to aspire to the level of sportsmanship, skill, and spirit demonstrated by Johnny. We are calling on the NHL administration, hockey fans, and supporters of equality in sports to back this proposal. Let us work to ensure Johnny's legacy is not forgotten.

Please sign this petition and help us pave the way for the Johnny Gaudreau/Gaudreau Award. Together, we can honor Johnny's memory the way he would have wanted – by inspiring a new generation of hockey players to break boundaries and dare to dream.