Plan for Johnny Gaudreau's contract and what happens after tragedy revealed

The Gaudreau brothers were riding their bikes near their home in Salem County, New Jersey the night before their sister Katie's wedding, but were struck by drunk driver Sean Higgins in accident that took their lives.

With Gaudreau's passing, his contract is essentially voided, but the insurance kicks in to provide support. That's $1M immediately to the family, along with a full year of salary-$9.75M, which was part of his contract's straightforward payout structure.

Hopefully, the Blue Jackets organization will step in and do something meaningful for the family during this unimaginable time. While we wait for updates, it's good to know that his wife Meredith and their children will receive health coverage for six months, courtesy of the team.

After that, they can either purchase extended coverage through COBRA for up to three years or switch to a retired player plan.

The league's collective bargaining agreement ensures that the family won't face any immediate disruptions to their healthcare. His children will remain covered until they turn 26, even if Meredith doesn't qualify for coverage herself.

None of this can replace what's been lost, but at least Johnny's loved ones will have some protection as they navigate through this terrible time.

Source: Oilers Insider
Johnny Gaudreau's wife will receive his salary