Sean Monahan admits having emotional breakdowns "almost every day" reeling from painful loss of "best friend" Johnny Gaudreau

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Sean Monahan opened up about the emotional toll he has experienced since the tragic death of his best friend, Johnny Gaudreau, in August this year.

The two became best friends during their time as young prospects with the Calgary Flames, playing together for eight seasons. They hoped to continue that friendship when Monahan signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets to be close to Gaudreau.

However, everything changed on Aug. 29 when Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were killed in an incident involving an alleged drunk driver while they were cycling.

Sean Monahan admitted that he has been struggling to cope with Johnny's loss.

“I still haven't gotten over it, I don't think I ever will,” said Monahan via Sportsnet. "Ninety percent of the time it doesn't feel real. You lose your best friend, your teammate, it’s tough to comprehend."

Monahan revealed that he experiences emotional breakdowns almost every day:

“Yeah, almost every day, to be honest."

“When something happens in my life, I’d usually give John a FaceTime. I go through those situations a lot where you want to pick up the phone, call or text him or send him a picture or something, and you realize that's when it hurts," he added.

The toughest part for Monahan is the constant reminder of the future he and Johnny had envisioned together, especially when he spends time with Gaudreau's children.

The bond they shared as friends and teammates was built on shared experiences and dreams, making the absence of Gaudreau all the more poignant.

"Even just driving to the rink, it's basically all I think about. It’s in my head all day, every day," Monahan concluded.

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Sean Monahan pays heartfelt tribute to Johnny Gaudreau

During the Columbus Blue Jackets' home opener last month, the team honored Johnny Gaudreau by starting the game 13 seconds later, representing his number.

Sean Monahan took the opening faceoff and left Gaudreau's spot empty as a tribute. He then scored the opening goal for the Blue Jackets and pointed to Gaudreau's banner in the arena.

After the game, Monahan felt like Johnny was watching over them. The entire experience was emotional for Monahan, who felt Gaudreau's presence during the game.

Sean Monahan has racked up 20 points through seven goals and 13 assists in 21 games this season.