Must-Watch: Beautiful tribute from the Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers for Johnny Gaudreau

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Aaron Itovitch
October 15, 2024 (6:48 PM)

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The hockey world is still mourning the loss of Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau. Tonight, the Florida Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets commemorated him.

Following a tragic incident with drunk driver Sean Higgins, the night before the two's sister's wedding, Matthew Gaudreau, a former AHL player in the New York Islanders organization and a beloved coach, and Johnny Gaudreau, an all-Star NHL player who was a fan favourite with the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets, passed away.

Here is the tribute video made by the Columbus Blue Jackets:

It has now been two months since the heartbreaking incident, but it is still fresh in the hearts of all. Their father, Guy Gaudreau, was on the ice with his hometown Philadelphia Flyers thanks to head coach John Tortorella in the pre-season, and has now made appearances at Columbus Blue Jackets practice - probably not for the last time.

Good friend of Gaudreau's, Matthew Tkachuk, whose injury will force him not to attend the Blue Jackets home opener tonight, released the following statement:

Unfortunately, I won't be there tonight in Columbus. Johnny was a huge part of the hockey community but to me he was much more than that. A great friend, teammate, and family man. Not a day goes by without me thinking about Johnny and Matthew. The biggest thing I'm going to miss about tonight is not being able to see Meredith, Noa, little Johnny, Guy and Jane. Would love to give them all big hugs! Johnny will be my teammate forever.

- Matthew Tkachuk

Both the Florida Panthers are Columbus Blue Jackets will take warmups in Gaudreau 13 jerseys. It is sure to be an emotional night for the hockey world.

Rest in peace, Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau.

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