Columbus Blue Jackets officials could hardly believe their luck when they persuaded superstar Johnny Gaudreau to pass up larger markets and sign here two years ago.

Ecstatic fans looked to “Johnny Hockey” to score goals and jumpstart the fortunes of a struggling team that had reached the playoffs just six times in the previous 21 seasons and advanced beyond the opening round only twice.

"Johnny Gaudreau coming here, actually choosing Columbus was literally our validation," said a fan of the hockey player on Friday.{ai:summary}<p>The Columbus Blue Jackets successfully signed superstar Johnny Gaudreau, who opted for their team over larger markets two years ago. Fans were hopeful Gaudreau would revitalizes the team's performance after years of playoff struggles. </p><p>#sports</p>

Sudden death of 'Johnny Hockey' means more hard times for beleaguered Columbus Blue Jackets

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