For Johnny and Matthew: Blue Jackets to play their home opener with Gaudreaus in mind

Johnny Gaudreau’s Columbus teammates have been given a few options for how to handle ir emotions during Blue Jackets’ home opener.

If you want to cry, cry.

If you want to laugh, laugh.

only rules — play game way “Johnny Hockey” would, and with him in mind.

An emotional night awaits in Columbus on Tuesday, when Blue Jackets host Florida Panrs. It will be a night of tributes to Gaudreau, Blue Jackets’ star who would have been entering his third season with club and 11th NHL season overall, and his bror Matw Gaudreau. y were killed on Aug. 29 when police said y were struck by a suspected drunken driver while y were riding ir bicycles on a rural ro in New Jersey on eve of ir sister Katie’s wedding.

“It’s such an unprecedented thing and something that obviously ne of us wanted to go through, and body ever wants to go through it,” Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason said Monday as final preparations for celebration of Gaudreaus were being me. “But we have to.”

31-year-old Gaudreau wore jersey . 13 for Blue Jackets. Matw Gaudreau — who was 29 and played five pro seasons in American Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League and in Sweden — wore jersey . 21. All 32 NHL teams are wearing decals on ir helmets with 13, 21 and letter G on ir helmets through Oct. 24. USA Hockey has a similar tribute for its teams at all levels this year.

On Tuesday, “13” tributes will be almost everywhere. Both Blue Jackets and Panrs will take ice for warmups wearing jerseys bearing name Gaudreau and jersey number 13; those sweaters will be auctioned and raffled off to benefit John and Matw Gaudreau Foundation. re’s “13” on ice behind goals . All fans in attendance will receive a “13” patch, ones Blue Jackets players will be wearing on ir jerseys this season.

And y say game starts at 7 p.m., but really, puck drop is at 7:13.

“Whatever y need,” Panrs coach Paul Maurice said Monday. “Whatever fans need, whatever team needs to start that healing process, we’d be proud to be a part of it.”

Gaudreau — all of 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds — was a star at Boston College before making it to NHL, his debut coming in Calgary’s finale for 2013-14 season. His first goal came on his first shot in his first game, and his star only kept shining brighter from re.

player who fished puck out of net after Gaudreau’s first goal was Sean Monahan, his teammate n in Calgary and his teammate w in Columbus.

“I saw it firsthand. He h an impact on so many people,” Monahan said. “I mean, players that played against him are a fan of his and watch him and study his game and try and be like him.”

Monahan likely never aspired to be a donkey. Going forward, Blue Jackets will clamor to be called one.

Johnny Gaudreau used that term — “donkey” — freely and endearingly around friends and teammates. Blue Jackets have h a celebration for about a dece where player of game gets to wear a Civil War-style kepi hat, recipient selected by previous player recipient. kepi is retired. player of game w gets a donkey hat. Monahan was first to receive it.

“I’m really happy that we’ve kind of switched it up,” Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson said. “I think it’s fitting for us. It was a great idea. And, you kw, we wish little guy was still here calling us that, But Monny is right guy to get that first time, for sure.”

Guy Gaudreau, late brors' far and a longtime coach, was on ice with Blue Jackets for practice in Columbus on Monday and planned to be back for morning skate on Tuesday. Members of family will be at game. tributes will t stop with this game. y'll keep going, one way or ar, for years to come.

“re's going to be some tough moments, doubt about it,” Gudbranson said. “We still miss him.”