On Thursday night, we were all Blue Jackets. For all time, we will remember Columbus, a team, organization and fan base that elevated the sport in the wake of unspeakable tragedy.Â
The Jackets may have fallen short in their quest to make the playoffs but the franchise shined a light on the power of community in Columbus’ response to the deaths of the beloved Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.
Just about every team likes to call itself a family. Much, if not most of the time, that’s a fable. But not the 2024-25 Blue Jackets, inspired by Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny’s widow, and the entire clan, represented the best of families.
Credit the organization; credit the stewardship of president-general manager Don Waddell; the influence of senior adviser John Davidson; the leadership of head coach Dean Evason; and the comradery of the group fostered by Sean Monahan, Johnny Gaudreau’s best friend, that came together rather than splintering apart.
