NHL: Calgary Flames at Ottawa Senators - Source: Imagn — Rasmus Andersson seeks advice from Johnny Gaudreau's father Guy - Source: Imagn

$27,300,000 Calgary Flames D-man seeks advice from Johnny Gaudreau's father Guy to get out of goalscoring rut

Modified Dec 03, 2024 03:10 GMT

Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson sought advice from Johnny Gaudreau's father, Guy Gaudreau, during practice on Monday.

Guy Gaudreau was an honorary coach for the Flames ahead of Tuesday's emotional game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, which will pay tribute to his late son, former Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau.

Johnny and his brother Matthew tragically died in August after being struck by an alleged drunk driver while riding bicycles near their New Jersey home. Andersson, who's in the fifth year of a six-year, $27.3 million contract with the Flames, approached Guy for tips on improving the team’s scoring.

“Johnny was a dear friend, and Guy was more often than not around,” Andersson said (as per NHL.com). “The circumstances (stink), but it was good seeing him. I told him he’s got to help us out there get our goalscoring going, and he had his own conclusion why we were not scoring.

"It was great. It was great just, you know, talking to him about that. That helps him going through what he's what he's going through."

Andersson and Guy Gaudreau have known each other for a long time, going back to Johnny's time with the Flames. Andersson said that it was emotional but also therapeutic for Guy to be back on the ice, given the loss of his sons Johnny and his brother Matthew.

The defenseman encouraged Guy to visit Flames practices whenever he wanted:

"You always have a spot here on the ice whenever you want. I hope they can make it out more times this year."

Tuesday's game against the Blue Jackets is sure to be an emotional night as the Flames pay tribute to Johnny Gaudreau's life and legacy.

Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund on meeting Johnny Gaudreau's father Guy

Flames captain Mikael Backlund was appreciative of the chance to recognize the Gaudreau family and all they've done for the team.

"I was super excited when I heard that they were coming here and we were going to honor Johnny and get the chance to see them again after the funeral," Mikael Backlund said."Nice to see the whole family.

Backlund acknowledged that it's a difficult situation but expressed that he and his teammates want to support the Gaudreau's family and show their appreciation for everything they did for them and the Calgary community.

Backlund and former Flames forward Sean Monahan, who spent nine seasons in Calgary, will participate in a ceremonial puck drop with the Gaudreau family on Tuesday's game.