NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother have been killed after hit by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bicycles in their home state of New Jersey.

The 31-year-old Gaudreau and Matthew, 29, were in the area for their sister Katie's wedding, scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia. They were to have served as groomsmen with their wives as maids of honour.

According to New Jersey State police, the Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a road when a man driving in the same direction attempted to pass two other vehicles and struck them from behind. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the driver, Sean M. Higgins, was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and had been charged with two counts of death by auto and jailed at the Salem County Correctional Facility.

Johnny Gaudreau, known as 'Johnny Hockey', has played 11 professional seasons in the league and was going into his third with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

He spent his first nine with the Calgary Flames, a tenure that included becoming one of the sport's top players and a fan favourite across North America.

The Blue Jackets called it an unimaginable tragedy.

"Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend," the team said in a statement.

"Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for hockey with him everywhere he played."