In the wake of star left winger Johnny Gaudreau’s tragic death in August, Tuesday was going to be an unbelievably difficult day for the Columbus Blue Jackets players, staff and fans.
Both the Blue Jackets and Panthers approached the night — the Blue Jackets’ home opener — with class.
After both teams warmed up in Gaudreau’s No. 13 jersey, the Blue Jackets made sure to honor Gaudreau’s memory by taking the ice for the opening faceoff without a left winger. When the puck was dropped, neither team played. Instead, they let 13 seconds tick off the clock to pay tribute to Gaudreau’s number.
This was the scene at Nationwide Arena:
The Blue Jackets came out to take the opening draw with no left winger in honor of Johnny Gaudreau#CBJ pic.twitter.com/spGFHKIkq0
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) October 15, 2024
There wasn’t a dry eye in the building after that.
