Emotional Sean Monahan Scores, Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Johnny Gaudreau by Pointing to His #13 Banner
The Columbus Blue Jackets have continued to pay tribute to late forward Johnny Gaudreau, including his former Calgary Flames teammate and current Blue Jackets forward Sean Monahan, who emotionally paid honor to his close friend after scoring at home.
Monahan, who had spent eight seasons as a teammate with Gaudreau, the two becoming close in the process, immediately had his late friend in his head after scoring his first goal with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Monahan scored with eight minutes left in the second period against the reigning Stanley Cup Champions, the Florida Panthers, giving Columbus a 2-1 lead in the game. Monahan celebrated by pointing to Gaudreau's number 13 jersey currently in the Blue Jackets rafters.
Columbus hasn't retired Gaudreau's #13, but have honored his memory by having his jersey up as a memorial. It's unclear if the move will be permanent, or if the number is simply an honor for Gaudreau or setting up a possible future retirement. One potential option if the number is not retired is a gentleman's agreement to no longer having a Blue Jackets player wear the #13 again.
Some teams have previously done this in an unofficial capacity. No Vancouver Canucks player has worn the #28 since the passing of defenseman Luc Bourdon in a motorcycle accident in 2008, and the Canucks #37, not worn since Rick Rypien passed away in 2011. Other teams, like the Detroit Red Wings, have not had a player wear #91 since superstar Sergei Fedorov, who's number isn't retired by the team but has been out of circulation since 2003, his last season in Detroit.
In a other touching moment, Gaudreau's young daughter, two-year old Noa, pointed to the sky at Johnny's banner, a heartbreaking moment for a young child remembering not just a hockey player, but a father and friend lost too soon.
On top of a pregame cermony at home, Columbus opened the game without a left winger, Gaudreau's position with the team, likely to have been on the Blue Jackets first line. A 13-second pause was also had in memory of Gaudreau, his jersey number. On the faceoff was Monahan, and fellow longtime Gaudreau teammate Sam Bennett.
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