Emotional Tribute: Blue Jackets and Panthers Honor Johnny Gaudreau in Stunning Ceremony

Before their home opener against the Florida Panthers, the Columbus Blue Jackets paid tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau on a tearful Tuesday night at Nationwide Arena. Throughout the evening, both teams took part in moving remembrances of the late Blue Jackets player and his brother.

Following Gaudreau's passing, the Blue Jackets' home opener was both a celebration of life and a memorial. To pay tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, both teams went above and beyond.

The Blue Jackets and the visiting Florida Panthers both wore Gaudreau jerseys during their pregame warmup as one of the numerous remembrances to honor the brothers and the lasting impact they left on the hockey world.

Long before the first puck dropped, the tributes began. In remembrance of Gaudreau's favorite snacks, Panthers rinkside reporter Katie Engelson reported that every team member brought a purple Gatorade and Skittles. One of Gaudreau's closest NHL friends, Matthew Tkachuk, came up with the concept.

Inside the arena, Columbus unveiled its Gaudreau brothers memorial prior to the game. Items from the fan memorial outside the arena, game-worn gear, and replica lockers for Johnny and Matthew are all part of the memorial. Fans will be able to see it for the duration of the 2024-25 season.

The Blue Jackets also released a video before the game that honored Johnny and included images and footage of him playing hockey with his parents as a child.

The Blue Jackets paid a final homage to their teammate as the referee prepared to drop the puck for the first faceoff. With just four skaters-two forwards and two defensemen-they took to the ice. Johnny's position on the team's top line, the left wing, was empty.

Matthew Tkachuk, Johnny's former linemate and teammate, missed the game in Columbus because of an illness. Through the team's social media channels, he posted a message.

The Panthers had a former Flame on the ice even without Tkachuk. Before being traded to Florida for the 2020-21 season, Sam Bennett spent seven seasons as a player in Calgary.

Rest in peace, Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau. 13 forever ❤️