Video of Sean Monahan's emotional locker room speech in honour of Johnny Gaudreau released
Sean Monahan signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in order to play alongside close friend Johnny Gaudreau. He has now had his first win in his honour.
Johnny Gaudreau, alongside his younger brother Matthew Gaudreau, were killed in August at the hands of drunk driver Sean Higgins. Their impact on the world of hockey, Matthew as a coach and former member of the New York Islanders' AHL affiliate, and Johnny as a trailblazer for undersized players in the NHL, will never be forgotten.
If there is one thing that truly set the men apart, however, it was their character. Both were beloved by family, teammates, and friends. Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan came up together with the Calgary Flames organization and have been close ever since.
Following both of them leaving Calgary, Gaudreau signing a seven-year $9.75 million annual deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Sean Monahan being traded to the Montreal Canadiens, and then subsequently to the Winnipeg Jets, they had stayed close. With Sean Monahan hitting the free agent market this past summer, the desire to play with his close friend once again drove him to Columbus.
After last night's amazing win, Sean Monahan was awarded the ceremonial 'Donkey', in honour of Johnny Gaudreau. He made these emotional comments:
Sean Monahan will continue to honour Johnny Gaudreau in every game with the Columbus Blue Jackets, with whom he is under contract for another five years.
Rest in peace, Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau.
