NHL: Columbus Blue Jackets at Calgary Flames - Source: Imagn — Meredith, wife of late Blue Jackets forward Johnny responds to Sean Monahan's comment on carrying Johnny's legacy. (Source: Imagn)

Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith praises Sean Monahan for honoring Johnny's legacy

Modified Dec 04, 2024 15:03 GMT

On Tuesday, the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets fans united to honor Johnny Gaudreau at Scotiabank Saddledome. After the game, Johnny’s wife, Meredith, shared a heartfelt Instagram post about Blue Jackets star Sean Monahan.

Monahan was Gaudreau's close friend and former teammate, and they played together in Calgary for eight seasons. They were going to be teammates again after Monahan joined the Blue Jackets in the offseason. But they did not get a chance to reunite on ice in the same jerseys.

“You try to carry on [Johnny Gaudreau's] legacy as much as you can," Monahan said (via The Athletic). "To do what he did [on the ice], I definitely can't do that. But I'm trying to make him proud. We wanted to be back together, playing on the same team. I definitely play for him.”

In response, Meredith posted an Instagram story and praised Monahan.

“No better guy for the job. I know for sure that John is so proud of Sean, standing by our side through this every step of the way, even though it's his own massive loss too.”

Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew died on Aug. 29 after being struck by an alleged drunk driver in Salem County, New Jersey. Johnny, 31, was a star player for the Flames before joining the Blue Jackets in 2022.

Flames invited Johnny Gaudreau's family for their tribute night

Before the game, both teams honored Johnny Gaudreau with a video tribute showing his time in Calgary. Fans and players watched as Flames anthem singer George Canyon performed. Both teams wore Johnny’s No. 13 jerseys during warmups.

In the tribute video, Johnny's message for the Flames fans was shared, it reads:

"I hope the people of Calgary can remember me not only as a hockey player, but also as a good person with good values. supporting me Thank you for supporting me over the years, and for making my family a part of yours."

The Gaudreau family attended the ceremony, including Johnny’s wife Meredith, parents Guy and Jane and his two young children Noa and Johnny Junior. They joined Flames captain Mikael Backlund and Blue Jackets forward Sean Monahan for a ceremonial puck drop at center ice.

Fans chanted “Johnny Hockey” as the game neared its end. The Flames won 3-0, and Johnny Gaudreau was named the first star after the game.