Sean Monahan points to Johnny Gaudreau's banner in the rafters after scoring goal on emotional night

The Columbus Blue Jackets home opener was an emotional night for many, but especially Sean Monahan, who tributes his best friend after a huge goal.

Before the Columbus Blue Jackets began their home opener against the Florida Panthers, they spent an emotional few moments paying tribute to Johnny Gaudreau after his tragic passing this past summer. There were no dry eyes in the house, especially with the family of No. 13 in attendance, with so many showing love to the incredible person and player that Gaudreau was.

Perhaps the player most emotional was Sean Monahan, who grew up in the NHL with Gaudreau as a member of the Calgary Flames, and after taking the opening face off with an empty spot to his left, he had to play a very important game. Unsurprisingly, No. 23 scored to put the Blue Jackets up 2-1 over the Panthers, with the veteran centre immediately pointing to the Gaudreau banner that was hung earlier in the night.

This off-season saw so many tributes to Johnny Hockey, and while players like Cole Caufield honoured Gaudreau with a number change, others like Monahan were much quieter and personal about their tributes. All of them have been beautiful and meant the world to the Gaudreau family, and it's safe to say that this was one of the best ways to honour No. 13 after the season began.

It was an incredibly emotional moment for everyone in the building, and for Monahan, there was no better way to pay tribute to his best friend whom he was looking to reunite with this season, with the emotional all over his face after an amazing goal for the veteran.

MUST READ

6 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente LeBron James Says Goodbye: He Has Had Enough of the Media and Has Now Made a Statement

7 hours ago  |  By Graham Montgomery NHL Forced to Release Statement After Controversy Over Department of Player Safety Rulings on Hits to the Head

8 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente Top Pittsburgh Penguins Prospect Tanner Howe Traded in Massive Five-Piece Deal

9 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Alex Ovechkin Suffers Unexpected Injury Setback: He Will Now Miss Significantly More Time

9 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Craig Berube Makes an Update on Auston Matthews After Mysterious Visit to Germany

11 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Darnell Nurse Fires Back at Ryan Reaves After Controversial Hit: He Will Not Accept the Apology From the Leafs

12 hours ago  |  By TJ Tucker Minnesota Wild Star Mats Zuccarello Suffers Terrifying Injury In the Most Painful Area

14 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente Top NHL Insider Kevin Weekes Stuns With Possible Destination for Sidney Crosby

MORE STORIES