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Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield announced on Tuesday that he will wear number 13 next season in a tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau. Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were tragically killed last week when they were struck by a car while cycling in New Jersey.
In an Instagram post explaining the number change, Caufield wrote:
“I wore 13 at a point in my career because of Johnny and now I will be wearing it again to honor him. He paved the way for smaller players and proved we had a future in the game at the highest level. I will forever be grateful to him for inspiring me and others.”
Fans on social media praised Caufield's gesture, with one commenting,
"Great way to honor his legacy."
Another fan wrote,
"Hate the Habs. Loves this. Lots of respect to Caulfield."
Many expressed appreciation for Caufield memorializing Gaudreau.
"Leaf fan here to give his flowers to Caufield on this one. Doesn’t matter what team you cheer for; this is an incredible gesture and should be applauded." one fan commented on X.
"Just shows the impact Johnny Had! Big applause to #ColeCaufield showing what hockey is all about." another fan wrote.
Some fans seem doubtful about Caufield's jersey number change.
"Taking a tragedy and personalizing it seems disingenuous. Timing is also disingenuous. Allow the families to grieve and not make this about a sport or jersey number." a user wrote.
"Cole Caufield - “How can I take this tragedy and make it about ME?”" another user wrote.
Caufield has worn number 22 since joining the Canadiens in 2020-21.
Cole Caufield's thoughts on Johnny Gaudreau
Cole Caufield talked about the death of his former teammate Johnny Gaudreau. He and Gaudreau were teammates at the IIHF World Championship earlier this year.
"We lost an amazing person, both on and off the ice, in last week's tragedy," Caufield said in an Instagram post. "My deepest condolences go to the entire Gaudreau family, especially Johnny's wife and two kids, who I had the pleasure of meeting."
Caufield described him as incredibly welcoming, genuine, and humorous, qualities that made Gaudreau a magnet for those around him. He also highlighted not just his extraordinary hockey skills but also his down-to-earth personality and genuine care for everyone he met.
