Blue Jackets Pay Tribute to Johnny Gaudreau in Emotional Home Opener Ceremony

October 16, 2026

This article was last updated by Reesav Niroula on October 16, 2026

On Tuesday, October 15, 2026 game, the Ice hockey team, the Blue Jackets, paid tribute to its former player, Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically passed away on August 29, 2026.

Blue Jackets honored their great player during their home opener on Tuesday, where they had a match against the Florida Panthers.

Fellow players, family, and fans made the game night emotional as they paid heartfelt tribute to Johnny Gaudreau and cherished memories, creating an unforgettable emotional atmosphere.

Reports confirm Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew have passed away.

Johnny was only 31, and his brother was 29.

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_)

While attending the game, fans were greeted by a massive display featuring a replica of Gaudreau’s locker, his jerseys from his time in Columbus and at Boston College, and the game-won equipment.

Further, the team announced that they would keep the display of Gaudreau’s memories throughout the season.

During the Florida Panthers and Blue Jackets game in Columbus, fans proudly wore Johnny Gaudreau’s no.13 Blue Jackets jerseys to honor the former star.

Players leaving Johnny Gaudreau’s spot empty during the game make fans emotional!

Tuesday’s game was not normal for the Blue Jackets and their fans, as it was filled with emotions and memories of the late hockey player Johnny Gaudreau.

Many of his fans and family members attended the game, where they experienced how great Johnny Gaudreau was. They even played a five-and-a-half-minute heart-tugging video showing his life and hockey career.

What a picture.

Sean Monahan pointing to Johnny Gaudreau’s banner after scoring ❤️

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets)

Johnny Gaudreau’s parents, Guy Gaudreau and Jane Gaudreau, sisters Katie and Kristen, and wife Meredith Gaudreau, also get emotional and proud when fans thunderously chant “Johnny Hockey” in the arena.

However, Gaudreau’s wife did not want others to feel sad about his absence but to be proud of and inspired by his life.

She said, “I want you all to be inspired by the life that John lived. That means to love your family first and foremost, and when it’s time to drop the puck, let’s love the game that John loved.”

Similarly, Gaudreau’s fellow player Matthew Tkachuk also pays tribute to his dearest friend, saying, “Johnny was a huge part of the hockey community, but to me, he was much more than that. He was a great friend, teammate, and family man. Not a day goes by without me thinking about Johnny and Matthew.”

When the game started, Columbus coach Dean Evason sent out four players for the opening puck drop while Gaudreau’s left-wing spot was empty.

While Monahan passed the puck in the direction where Gaudreau’s would have been, four players stood in their position, waiting while the clock ran for 13 seconds. This moment left many of Gaudreau’s shattered.

Further, the Blue Jackets uploaded a video of the opening game to their official Instagram account, where many of Gaudreau’s fans commented emotionally.

In case you did not know

• John Michael Gaudreau, aka Johnny Gaudreau, was born on August 13, 1993, in Salem County, NJ, and passed away on August 29, 2026, in Oldmans Township, NJ, at the age of 31.
• The tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau occurred when he had gone to New Jersey to attend his sister Katie’s wedding. While cycling through Salem County, a speeding car struck Matthew Gaudreau and his brother, ending their lives instantly.
• Johnny Gaudreau’s brother Matthew Gaudreau, 29, was also an ice hockey player who played for two full seasons with the Omaha Lancers of USHL.

• Check other Articles on

Ruhi Tiwari, a passionate content writer with 2 years of experience, weaves captivating tales through her words. Beyond her profession, she immerses herself in the art of storytelling, channeling her creativity into compelling narratives.

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