COLUMBUS, Ohio — When the Columbus Blue Jackets came out for the opening faceoff on Tuesday, something — or someone — was missing.
Sean Monahan was in place for the draw, with Cole Sillinger beside him at right wing. Defensemen Zach Werenski and Erik Gudbranson aligned behind them.
The left wing spot — where Johnny Gaudreau would have played — remained empty. Audible gasps could be heard when the visual took root with a sold-out crowd in Nationwide Arena.
It was part of an emotional night in the arena and not a typical home season opener for the Blue Jackets. The team focused on remembering Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, who were struck and killed while riding bicycles in Oldmans Township, N.J., in August.
The Blue Jackets moved their typical opening-night festivities to later this week so their entire first game at home could be dedicated to the Gaudreau brothers.
Johnny Gaudreau, who played nine seasons with the Calgary Flames before spending the last two in Columbus, was 31. Matthew, who played with his brother at Boston College and had a minor-pro career, was 29.
When the puck dropped, neither the Blue Jackets nor the Panthers made a move, instead letting the puck come to a rest where Gaudreau, who wore No. 13, would have stood until the clock ran down 13 seconds.
Saved a spot for Johnny.
Here with us always💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/B4ouWgS0Qo
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 15, 2024
Before the game, with Gaudreau’s widow, Meredith, and the couple’s two small children watching, the Blue Jackets raised a “legacy banner” with Gaudreau’s name and number among the rafters of Nationwide to commemorate one of the NHL’s most celebrated players.
Gaudrea’s parents, Guy and Jane, and other family members watched from a private box high above the ice. Guy Gaudreau has been on the ice with the Blue Jackets for practice and a morning skate for the past two days.
Gaudreau’s number is not officially retired, a club spokesman said, but it’s highly unlikely that No. 13 will ever be worn again by a Columbus player.
Meredith Gaudreau received thunderous applause from the sold-out crowd in Nationwide Arena, walking with her two kids — Noa, who turned two last month, and Johnny, who was born last February — among a line of Blue Jackets players on one side of the carpet and Florida Panthers on the other side.
Blue Jackets center Sean Monahan, a close friend of Johnny and Meredith, stepped out of the line to hold one of the children during the ceremony.
13 forever ❤️ pic.twitter.com/qWLV8DNfLa
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 15, 2024
Meredith, whose eulogy of Johnny during his memorial service in early September has helped the Blue Jackets adopt a Gaudreau-like love and passion for the game so far this season, reiterated the message in a videotaped message on the scoreboard before the game.
“Hey, fifth line, I want to thank you all for your support through this time,” she said. “Your outpouring of love has helped our family tremendously. As the team gets ready to take a warmup before the game, I don’t want anyone to be sad.
“I want you all to be inspired by the life that John lived. That means to love your family first and foremost, and when it’s time to drop the puck, let’s love the game that John loved. Thank you, and go Jackets!”
“Let’s love the game that John loved.”
-Meredith Gaudreau pic.twitter.com/06YKL5PrxL— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) October 15, 2024
The Blue Jackets and Panthers took the ice for pregame warmups wearing No. 13 sweaters. Those sweaters will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to the John & Matthew Gaudreau Foundation.
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(Photo: Jason Mowry / Getty Images)
