Jackets, Panthers pay tribute to Gaudreaus before Columbus' home opener

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Florida Panthers remembered the late Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau before the Metropolitan Division club's home opener Tuesday night.

The Blue Jackets put together a memorial inside Nationwide Arena.

Every player on both teams wore Gaudreau jerseys during the pregame warmups.

The Panthers even went a step further earlier on their way into the building.

"Johnny loved Skittles and purple Gatorade," Florida forward Sam Bennett told team reporter Katie Engleson. "It's a tribute to him on what will be an emotional night."

Bennett said the snack items were teammate Matthew Tkachuk's idea. Tkachuk was unable to make the trip and play due to illness, but he issued a message before the contest, concluding by saying, "Johnny will be my teammate forever."

The Blue Jackets shared a touching video tribute to Johnny shortly before puck drop.

Johnny's wife, Meredith, delivered a recorded message encouraging fans not to be sad but to instead be inspired by her late husband's life.

The Blue Jackets then lifted a banner to the rafters.

Columbus took the opening faceoff with only four players on the ice, leaving the left wing - Gaudreau's old position - vacant. Both teams then let 13 seconds elapse in further tribute.

Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau were killed by a suspected drunk driver while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey on Aug. 29, the night before their sister Katie's wedding.