The man charged with killing Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, pleaded not guilty in court Tuesday.

According to Maryclaire Dale of the Associated Press, prosecutors offered Sean M. Higgins a deal that carried a 35-year prison sentence. His not-guilty plea sets the stage for a trial.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were struck and killed while riding bicycles in New Jersey in August. Their sister's wedding was the following day.

In December, a grand jury indicted Higgins on two counts of reckless vehicular homicide, two counts of aggravated manslaughter, tampering with physical evidence and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

Prosecutors allege that Higgins sped up to pass two cars on a stretch of County Route 551 in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. Unable to pass on the left, he attempted to overtake them on the right and hit the Gaudreaus.

Higgins told police at the scene he had consumed around five or six beers on the day of the crash and consumed some while he had been driving. His blood alcohol level was measured at .087 percent, above the legal limit.

Police said Higgins also "had a history of road rage," per Dale.

A guilty conviction on the two manslaughter charges would carry prison sentences of up to 30 years for each charge. Higgins' next court date is Feb. 4.