Blue Jackets honor Johnny Gaudreau with emotional tributes in Columbus' first home game since his death

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A home opener in sports is supposed to be full of adrenaline and excitement — but Tuesday night in Columbus was much different.

The Blue Jackets were back on their own home ice for the first time of the 2024-25 season. It was also their first home game since the death of their star, Johnny Gaudreau.

Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, aged 31 and 29 respectively, were killed in late August by a suspected drunk driver while riding their bikes in their hometown in New Jersey the day before their sister's wedding.

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Columbus Blue Jackets players warm up before the game against the Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena on Oct. 15, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. Players from both teams are wearing #13 in warm up jerseys in remembrance of Blue Jackets player Johnny Gaudreau, who along with his brother, was killed by a driver while biking in Salem County, New Jersey in August.  (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

Makeshift memorials popped up almost immediately in both Columbus and Calgary, where he had played his first eight NHL seasons.

Moments of silence and other tributes have been all over the NHL since the season began last week, but Columbus' awaited, and they did not disappoint in honoring their fallen star.

The team announced that a memorial had been placed inside the arena with game-worn equipment and a replica locker, and items from the fan memorial.

A memorial on honor of Johnny Gaudreau on display before the game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena on Oct. 15, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.  (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

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