Johnny Gaudreau Tribute: Blue Jackets and Red Wings Honor Late Hockey Star

Image credits: Jason Mowry/Getty

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings came together to honor the late Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically passed away in August 2024, along with his brother Matthew, in a suspected drunk driving incident. The teams paid tribute to the hockey star during their Stadium Series game at Ohio State University, with the Blue Jackets wearing a "signature Johnny fit" inspired by Gaudreau's personal style. The outfit consisted of an Avalon Surf Shop hoodie, black Amiri hats with three stars, black sweatpants, and black Uggs boots, which was a nod to Gaudreau's unique and laid-back sense of fashion.

The Blue Jackets' coach, Dean Evason, said that having the presence of Johnny's family, including his widow Meredith and their children, led the team from the arena to the stadium, making the moment even more special. The team's captain, Boone Jenner, also praised Meredith's strength and resilience in the face of tragedy, saying that she has been an inspiration to the team and the community. The hockey world has come together to support the Gaudreau family, with the Blue Jackets and Red Wings showing their respect and admiration for Johnny's legacy. The tribute was a testament to the impact that Johnny had on the team and the community, and it will be remembered for a long time.

The Red Wings also showed their support by wearing jerseys that Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau had worn during their playing careers. The team's defenseman, Moritz Seider, said that it was a small gesture, but it was a way for the team to give back and honor Johnny's memory. The Stadium Series game was a chance for the teams to come together and celebrate Johnny's life and legacy, and it was a fitting tribute to a player who had made such a significant impact on the sport. The game was attended by approximately 90,000 fans, making it the second biggest crowd in NHL history, and it was broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+.

The Blue Jackets' players have fond memories of Gaudreau wearing the same outfit almost everywhere he went off the ice, and they wanted to honor him by dressing like him. The team's forward, Sean Monahan, said that if you knew Johnny, you would understand the significance of the outfit, and it was a great way to start the day and get into the right mindset. The team's leadership group, including Jenner and Zach Werenski, worked with Meredith to put together the outfit, and they were able to find pictures of Johnny wearing the same clothes. The team's efforts to honor Johnny's memory have been appreciated by the fans, who have shown their support and devotion to the team and the Gaudreau family.

The game was a celebration of Johnny's life and legacy, and it was a chance for the teams to come together and pay their respects. The Blue Jackets and Red Wings showed their support and admiration for Johnny, and it was a fitting tribute to a player who had made such a significant impact on the sport. The team's efforts to honor Johnny's memory will continue throughout the season, with the Blue Jackets wearing patches on their shirts and having a hat after the game. The Gaudreau family has been touched by the outpouring of support from the hockey community, and they are grateful for the love and respect that has been shown to them.