Columbus Blue Jackets Honor Johnny Gaudreau’s Legacy

Sean Monahan, now a Columbus Blue Jacket, expressed that he will forever cherish the memory of his late friend and former teammate, Johnny Gaudreau. Monahan’s locker is situated next to the one reserved for Gaudreau, a constant reminder of the star’s impact on the team and his personal life.

Reunion Cut Short by Tragedy

Monahan, aged 29, inked a five-year contract with the Blue Jackets in the summer, in part, to reconnect with Gaudreau, his close friend and teammate from their days in Calgary. The team commenced their training camp on Wednesday, and for the first time since Gaudreau and his brother Matthew’s untimely deaths, Monahan spoke out. They tragically lost their lives to a suspected DUI accident while cycling on August 29.

Living just three homes away from the Gaudreau family in Ohio, Monahan served as a pallbearer at the funeral. “I’m still searching for the right words,” Monahan said at the news conference, donning a T-shirt with a large No. 13 and a photo of Gaudreau. “I’m eager for the season to start. We’re going to miss Johnny. I think about him every day. It’s a tough situation, but we have a strong team here, and as a team, we’ll remember him.”

Formal Tributes to Honor Gaudreau

The team announced plans to formally honor Gaudreau. This includes a helmet sticker with Gaudreau’s name, two doves, and the numbers 13 and 21 — the numbers the Gaudreau brothers wore during their hockey careers. The team will also display a No. 13 patch on their jerseys this season. The traditional opening night festivities have been delayed to the second game, with the October 15 opener at Nationwide Arena dedicated to honoring the Gaudreau brothers.

Remembering Gaudreau in the Locker Room

Throughout the season, the Blue Jackets will reserve a locker for Gaudreau and will display his No. 13 jersey in it, both at home games and on the road. “We want to do what he would have wanted, which is to play hockey. He loved every moment on the rink. We try to honor him by enjoying each other’s company, especially during tough times,” said team captain, Boone Jenner.

Monahan’s New Role and the Team’s Solidarity

Monahan is stepping into a challenging role as he joins a new team and is expected to mentor young centers Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger. The Blue Jackets community, however, has shown great solidarity. “We’re here for him. We’re going to get through this together,” said defenseman Zach Werenski.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for the Blue Jackets

As the Blue Jackets navigate their grief, they also face new beginnings with a new coach, Dean Evason, and a new GM, Don Waddell. The focus is on revamping the team culture and accelerating the rebuilding process to reach the playoffs again. The team has seen five head coaches since their last playoff appearance in 2020.

Creating a Fresh Start

Before the tragedy, Evason was working on ways to give the players a fresh start. He reshuffled locker room assignments and replaced individual photos above the stalls with group photos. Evason has also made a point of not wanting to know about the players’ past conduct, focusing instead on the present and future.

As they move forward, Monahan expressed that a lot of weight rests on their shoulders. “A huge loss, a special person who is not here. It’s on my mind every day, every second. We want to give our best effort for John,” he said.