"I don't want you to be sad": Johnny Gaudreau's widow Meredith issues a heartfelt message to CBJ fans ahead of opener

The Columbus Blue Jackets honored the late Johnny Gaudreau with a heartfelt tribute before their home opener at Nationwide Arena on Tuesday. The Blue Jackets played the Florida Panthers in their first home game of the season and all players wore No. 13 Gaudreau jerseys during the warmups.

Meredith Gaudreau, wife of the late NHL player, issued an emotional statement for the fans prior to the game. In the video posted by the Columbus Blue Jackets on their official X handle, Meredith urged fans to be inspired by the life of Johnny Gaudreau.

“I want to Thank you all for your support through this time. Your outpouring of love has helped our family tremendously. As the team gets ready to take a warm-up before the game, I don't want anyone to be sad,” Meredith said.

“I want you all to be inspired by the life that John lived. That means love your family first and foremost. And when it's time to drop the puck, let's love the game that John loved. Thank you and Go Jackets!”

Players, staff, and fans watched a video montage featuring Johnny, where he shared his wish to be remembered as a person who cherished time with his family, friends and teammates.

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Columbus Blue Jackets start home opener without a left wing in honor of Johnny Gaudreau

The team left the left-wing spot empty in the starting lineup and observed a 13 second silence as a tribute to Johnny’s No. 13. A slideshow of Johnny’s life and career played at Nationwide Arena, and the ice was lit up with Johnny’s No. 13 and Matthew’s No. 21.

Johnny’s wife Meredith walked onto the ice with their two children, Johnny Jr. and Noa, accompanied by her brother. The Blue Jackets also raised a banner with "JOHNNY GAUDREAU 1993-2024" as fans chanted “JOHN-NY HOCK-EY!”

Johnny's No. 13 was painted on the ice behind each net and his locker stall remained untouched in the locker room. His father, Guy Gaudreau, was invited to the morning skate, where he shared stories about his sons.

Panthers captain Matthew Tkachuk, who was unable to play the game due to illness, honored his memory in a special way. He arranged for Florida players to carry two of Johnny’s favorites, Skittles and purple Gatorade, into the rink.

“Johnny was a huge part of the hockey community, but to me, he was much more than that,” Tkachuk said in a statement released by the Panthers. “A great friend, teammate and family man. Not a day goes by without me thinking about Johnny and Matthew.”

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau tragically died on August 29, 2024, when they were struck by an alleged drunk driver while riding bicycles near their home in Salem County, New Jersey. The driver has been charged with two counts of death by auto.