Heartfelt Tribute: Blue Jackets Begin Game Without Left Winger in Emotional Honor of Johnny Gaudreau

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Graham Montgomery
October 15, 2024 (7:38 PM)

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The Columbus Blue Jackets held a tribute for Johnny Gaudreau tonight ahead of their home opener against the Florida Panthers.

It has been less than two months since the Gaudreau brothers were sadly taken from the world, far too young. Their passing has been felt across the entire hockey world as we have seen countless tributes made to both of them both on social media and in the real world. The NHL is still reeling from the loss as the 2024-25 season goes into full swing. Just days ago, Sean Monahan gave a heartfelt speech honoring Johnny after the Blue Jackets picked up their first win of the season against the Colorado Avalanche. Now the team is at home where they can honor Johnny and Matthew in a more substantial way. As part of the tribute, all players from both teams wore jerseys donning the number 13 and Gaudreau's name.

The Blue Jackets also went the extra mile to honor the brothers around Nationwide Arena. Above the main entrance is a huge banner as well as a collection of hockey sticks, jerseys, and other paraphernalia that was left at previous tributes to them.

Before the match, the Blue Jackets also released a video honoring Johnny and featuring pictures and video of him as a kid with his parents and playing hockey.

As the referee was getting ready to drop the puck for the opening faceoff, the Blue Jackets made one last tribute for their teammate. They took to the ice with just four skaters, two forwards and two defenseman. No one was lined up at the left wing, Johnny's position on the team's top line.

The past few weeks have been incredibly difficult for the hockey world, especially for those who knew Johnny and Matthew. It is hard to imagine what the Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames, and all those who were close to Johnny and Matthew are going through right now, including Meredith, Johnny's wife, who has been the subject of many tributes as well. If we have learned anything from this tragic event, it is that hockey is more than just a game. Tonight is for Johnny and Matthew.