When Columbus honored him earlier this season, Monahan and the Blue Jackets took the ice for the opening faceoff down a man. The left wing position, where Gaudreau would have aligned, was left vacant, a tribute to Gaudreau and among the most memorable scenes in Nationwide.

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.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were remembered with a pregame tribute where their family was welcomed back to the NHL city where a dream became reality.