The Columbus Blue Jackets entered training camp Wednesday still smarting from the loss of veteran forward Johnny Gaudreau, who was killed, along with his younger brother, Matthew Gaudreau, by a suspected drunken driver in New Jersey three weeks ago.
Columbus was already taking the offseason to reflect on a poor 2023-24 campaign and reshuffle its front office and coaching staff.
As the new regime looks to start the new season on the right foot, the entire organization is trying to deal with the pain and grief of losing one of its cornerstone players.
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Columbus Blue Jackets left winger Johnny Gaudreau plays the puck against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at the Bell Centre. (David Kirouac/USA Today Sports)
“I'll miss him for the rest of my life,” Sean Monahan told reporters Wednesday, via the New York Post. Monahan signed with the Blue Jackets to play alongside Gaudreau again after eight seasons with him on the Calgary Flames.
The Blue Jackets, however, have already thought of a way to honor their former teammate. The team will empty its locker room this season to honor Gaudreau. Monahan will be right next door.
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“There is a lot of weight on our shoulders right now,” he added.
As team captain, Boone Jenner is a leader among the players, but he also grieves with the rest of them.
“I don't think it's fair to say that we know exactly what to do. I don't think there's a playbook for this situation and what's happened,” he said. “And that's OK. I think we're going to learn and support each other as we go along.”
Johnny Gaudreau of the Columbus Blue Jackets reacts after scoring the game-tying goal during the third period of a game against the Washington Capitals at Nationwide Arena on January 31, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)
Supporting each other, especially on the ice where everyone feels comfortable, is one of the ways the Blue Jackets will help each other during this difficult time.
There's a void left without Gaudreau on the ice, but defenseman Zach Werenski said everyone is excited to be back with the team.
“It's been a tough few weeks, but I think we're excited. We just have to keep playing hockey and doing what we love and do it together.”
New general manager Don Waddell added: “The guys know Johnny would want us to go play hockey.”
Johnny Gaudreau of the Columbus Blue Jackets during warmups before a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena on April 7, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
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Under new coach Dean Evason, the Blue Jackets hope to improve on last season's 27-43-12 record, the worst in the Eastern Conference.
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