Blue and White Set the Tone: Columbus Blue Jackets Honor Johnny Gaudreau

The Columbus Blue Jackets are preparing for the upcoming season, accompanied by a question that touches the emotional core of the team: "What would Johnny want?" These words serve as a reminder of their late teammate Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically lost his life along with his younger brother Matthew in an accident. Captain Boone Jenner emphasized the importance of honoring Gaudreau's passion for hockey. “He would want us to play. He loved every second on the ice,” said Jenner. In the past weeks, the players have been preparing for the season while simultaneously honoring Gaudreau's memory. In this regard, the Blue Jackets announced a series of tributes. These include a special helmet sticker and a patch featuring Gaudreau's number 13 on the jerseys. General Manager Don Waddell emphasized that Gaudreau's locker in the dressing room will be preserved and his jersey will also be brought along for away games. On Monday, at the first preseason game in Buffalo, the Blue Jackets will unveil the helmet sticker. The regular season opener on October 10 in Minnesota will see the debut of the jersey patch. The emotional highlight of Media Day was in the words of the players. Newly signed Sean Monahan, who specifically joined Columbus as a free agent to play alongside Gaudreau, spoke movingly about his late friend. Monahan, who joined the Blue Jackets this summer, was also a pallbearer at Gaudreau's funeral. Monahan expressed how difficult the loss is for him and the team. “I think about him every day. It's really tough, but we have a great group here,” he said. Nonetheless, he looked forward to the new season and emphasized how comfortable he feels in his new home. The Blue Jackets underwent significant changes over the summer. In addition to Don Waddell as the new General Manager, Dean Evason was appointed as the head coach. New players like Sean Monahan and James van Riemsdyk, as well as defensemen Jordan Harris and Jack Johnson, were integrated into the team. Coach Evason promised to keep Gaudreau's memory alive. “We will tell stories, laugh, and reminisce. Johnny will continue to teach us, both through good and bad examples.” Thus, the influential presence and legacy of Johnny Gaudreau remain firmly embedded in the hearts of the Blue Jackets.