Matthew Tkachuk posts heartfelt message about Gaudreau before Blue Jackets home opener

Matthew Tkachuk will not be able to attend Tuesday’s ceremony in Columbus honoring Johnny Gaudreau, but instead posted a heartfelt statement about Gaudreau on social media.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be there tonight in Columbus,” Tkachuk said in the message. “Johnny was a huge part of the hockey community but to me he was much more than that. A great friend, teammate, and family man. Not a day goes by without me thinking about Johnny and Matthew.

“The biggest thing I’m going to miss about tonight is not being able to see Meredith, Noa, little Johnny, Guy and Jane. Would love to give them all big hugs! Johnny will be my teammate forever.”

Tkachuk has been dealing with an illness and has not played since Thursday. The Panthers are in Columbus on Tuesday, when the Blue Jackets will be honoring Gaudreau before the team’s home opener.

The two played six seasons together with the Calgary Flames, until the summer of 2022, when Tkachuk was traded to the Panthers and Gaudreau signed with the Blue Jackets.

Johnny, 31, and his brother Matthew, 29, died Aug. 29 when they were struck by an alleged drunk driver who has been charged with two counts of death by auto, while riding bicycles near their home in Salem County, New Jersey.