Johnny Gaudreau and his former teammates prepare for “special night” as Blue Jackets face off Flames

<strong>Johnny Gaudreau and his former teammates prepare for “special night” as Blue Jackets face off Flames</strong>

Johnny Gaudreau [Image Credit: Flame for Thought]

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau as well as his former Calgary Flames teammates are preparing for an emotional night during Monday’s game. The Blue Jackets are preparing to face off against the Flames as their teammates expect to hear some “boos” and “cheers” for Gaudreau. 

Last year in July, Gaudreau stated his interest in tasting free agency as he wanted to move closer to his family. He later signed up with the Blue Jackets surprising everyone with a $68.25 million contract for 7 years with an annual average value of $7.95 million.

YouTube video

His teammates are excited to see him, and Gaudreau himself is excited, though he doesn’t hesitate to state that there may be fans who’ll boo him in a crowd. Gaudreau was very much loved in his former community, and some of his fans didn’t like his decision to signup with Blue Jackets.

FS Video

Related: “You’re playing with me” – Forward Patrik Laine thrilled to have Johnny Gaudreau as teammate in Blue Jackets

Johnny Gaudreau gets ready to play against former team at Scotiabank Arena

Johnny Gaudreau [Image Credit: theScore]
Johnny Gaudreau [Image Credit: theScore]

Nevertheless, a video tribute is bound to take place, highlighting the top moments of Johnny Gaudreau’s time with the Flames. On Friday he said, “Sports is awesome”. 

“It brings people together and I got to play there for 10 years, nine years, and I had some great memories and they’re probably a little upset that I’m not there anymore. I get it. They love their team and that’s why I loved playing there so much and I loved being part of that organization for 12, 13 years. It’s going to be fun going back.”

Defenceman Erik Gudbranson who also signed up with Blue Jackets leaving the Flames during free agency said that the fan base loved him, “He played hard and did a lot of really good things.”

“I only saw him for a year, but that year, every time he touched the puck it was like they’re on the end of their seat waiting for something to happen, and a lot of the time he made something happen, so I think they have a great respect for him.”

Following his 2011 National Hockey League Draft by the Flames, Gaudreau posted a record of 609 points with 210 goals and 399 assists, in 602 regular-season games. In Stanley Cup Playoffs he recorded 33 points with 11 goals and 22 assists in 42 games. After his signup with the Blue Jackets, he scored 13 goals and 31 assists in 46 games. 

Calgary Flames Blake Coleman said, “I think whether they’re booing or not, I think everybody really appreciated what he brought to the city and brought to the team”. He further said that if they do start booing, it’s more comical.

Whether the fans will boo him or cheer for him, Gaudreau and his former teammates will no doubt have an emotional reunion. Gaudreau said it’s been a rough year, but his move was something he decided after long thinking. 

Gaudreau exclaimed that no matter what their reaction, in the end, it would be special to skate in the same arena and just be in the dome, and in front of the fan base once again, “It’s going to be special night”.

Following Blue Jackets’ 4-3 OT loss against the Flames, Gaudreau commented, “The first time back [brought] a lot of emotions,” Gaudreau told reporters after the game. “A little nervous before the game started but I was excited to be back.”

Gaudreau’s return to Scotiabank Arena earned him boos from fans though they all stood up honoring the winger during his video tribute. The fans may have been upset with his move, but he has undoubtedly contributed greatly to the organization, and everybody respects it.

In case you missed:

“It’s disappointing” – Twitter flames up as Johnny Gaudreau tests free agency on Wednesday

Johnny Gaudreau Net Worth, Career, Endorsements, Wife, Family, and more