Sean Monahan points to Johnny Gaudreau's banner in the rafters after scoring goal on emotional night

The Columbus Blue Jackets home opener was an emotional night for many, but especially Sean Monahan, who tributes his best friend after a huge goal.

Before the Columbus Blue Jackets began their home opener against the Florida Panthers, they spent an emotional few moments paying tribute to Johnny Gaudreau after his tragic passing this past summer. There were no dry eyes in the house, especially with the family of No. 13 in attendance, with so many showing love to the incredible person and player that Gaudreau was.

Perhaps the player most emotional was Sean Monahan, who grew up in the NHL with Gaudreau as a member of the Calgary Flames, and after taking the opening face off with an empty spot to his left, he had to play a very important game. Unsurprisingly, No. 23 scored to put the Blue Jackets up 2-1 over the Panthers, with the veteran centre immediately pointing to the Gaudreau banner that was hung earlier in the night.

This off-season saw so many tributes to Johnny Hockey, and while players like Cole Caufield honoured Gaudreau with a number change, others like Monahan were much quieter and personal about their tributes. All of them have been beautiful and meant the world to the Gaudreau family, and it's safe to say that this was one of the best ways to honour No. 13 after the season began.

It was an incredibly emotional moment for everyone in the building, and for Monahan, there was no better way to pay tribute to his best friend whom he was looking to reunite with this season, with the emotional all over his face after an amazing goal for the veteran.

MUST READ

49 minutes ago  |  By Julien Trekker Longtime NHL Referee Mike Hasenfratz Tragically Passes Away at the Age of 58

1 hour ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch NHL Hopeful Colin Brown Critically Injured in St. Louis Shooting: Community Rallies

4 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Don Cherry Brutally Calls Out Darnell Nurse for Actions Leading to Ryan Reaves' Suspension

5 hours ago  |  By Tyler Ball Columbus Blue Jackets Linked in Trade to 75-Point Scorer by NHL Writer

17 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks Unforeseen Events Nearly Force Toronto Maple Leafs vs Utah Hockey Club Game to be Postponed

18 hours ago  |  By Tom Banks NHL Department of Player Safety Makes Official Ruling On Canucks Captain Quinn Hughes

19 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Canadian Team Unexpectedly Places 6-Foot-3 Enforcer on the NHL Waiver Wire

20 hours ago  |  By Aaron Itovitch Elliotte Friedman Hints at Trade of 30 Million Dollar Defenseman to Canadian Team

MORE STORIES