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This Tuesday, the Columbus Blue Jackets paid tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau by adding his playing years to the mural outside the Nationwide Arena.
The official Instagram handle of the Blue Jackets posted a clip of the work on the mural outside their home arena. The post was captioned:
“Each and every time we walk through these doors. For Johnny❤️💙”
The tribute was especially meaningful for Johnny’s widow, Meredith Gaudreau, who shared an emotional reaction to the gesture on her Instagram story.
“Every day of my life is for you, my husband 💙 I love you. Thank you CBJ,” she wrote in the caption.
Before the NHL season opener between the St. Louis Blues and Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, there was a 13-second moment of silence held in memory of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, who tragically passed away in a cycling accident on August 29. Similarly, the Florida Panthers honored the brothers before their game against the Boston Bruins.
ESPN’s moving tribute for Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau
ESPN recently aired a touching tribute to honor the memory of the Gaudreau brothers before their opening night tripleheader. In the tribute, their teammates spoke about their deep emotions after losing their friend.
Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner remembered how the late Gaudreau could brighten any room he entered, no matter the situation.
“He loved to be around teammates, loved to be around family. He could really light up a room when he came in no matter what the mood was,” Jenner said.
Defenseman Zach Werenski shared how the news hit hard and how he will never get over it. Forward Sean Monahan remembered his late teammate fondly and praised the player’s love for the sport.
“We kind of grew up together. He was a smaller guy with a big heart. Loved to play the game,” he said.
“I think he made people around him better people. The way he was with his kids, the way he is with his wife. He is going to be with me every step of the way.”
In honor of their teammate, the Blue Jackets will wear special helmet decals and number patches throughout the season. They’ve also chosen to keep an empty locker with his jersey hanging.
