Montreal Canadiens forward Cole Caufield announced Tuesday that he'll be changing uniform numbers ahead of the 2024-25 NHL season.
Caufield, who has worn No. 22 for the Habs throughout his career, took to Instagram to share that he'll be wearing the No. 13 going forward as a tribute to Johnny Gaudreau.
Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed on August 29 after being struck by a drunk driver while riding bicycles in New Jersey. They were due to serve as groomsmen at their sister's wedding the following day.
Johnny, fittingly nicknamed Johnny Hockey, wore No. 13 throughout his esteemed career in the NHL, during which he spent time with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Caufield penned a powerful message in the caption of his Instagram post, in which he offered his condolences to Gaudreau's family.
Gaudreau, similarly to Caufield, was a smaller player who relied more on his skills than his strength to impact the game. The pair played alongside each other for Team USA at the 2024 IIHF World Championship in May.
This article was originally published on www.si.com as Canadiens' Cole Caufield to Wear No. 13 In Honor of the Late Johnny Gaudreau.
