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.

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.