Columbus Blue Jackets will be keeping Johnny Gaudreau's dressing room stall

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Finnegan Frost
September 20, 2024 (2:41 PM)

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The Columbus Blue Jackets are continuing to find beautiful ways to pay homage to the late Johnny "Hockey" Gaudreau.

Johnny and his brother Matthew were struck by a vehicle near their home in Salem County, New Jersey. Unfortunately, both Johnny and Matthew passed away as a result of the accident.

As per ESPN, The team is keeping Gaudreau's locker stall intact. They will travel with his No. 13 jersey on the road. Sean Monahan, one of Gaudreau's best friends, will get dressed next to the empty stall all season. Monahan was the Blue Jacket's biggest free agent addition this summer, signing a five-year deal on July 1

As heartbreaking as this is for Sean Monahan, the symbolism of getting dressed for every game beside Johnny Gaudreau's empty stall will give him an overwhelming sense of empowerment next season.

"There's a lot of weight on our shoulders right now," Monahan said. "There's a huge loss, a special person who's not here. Like I said, it's on my mind every day, every second. We want to obviously put our best foot forward and put our best effort out there for Johnny."

The first on-ice session on Thursday ended with players shooting the length of the ice on an empty net. Monahan went first and made it. Hugs and stick taps followed. Monahan signed to reunite with Gaudreau, but also to be a mentor to young Blue Jackets

Oilers Insider is wishing Sean Monahan all the best going into this extremely difficult NHL season.

source: ESPN
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