Matthew Tkachuk releases tragic statement before Blue Jackets' unforgettable home opener tonight

Matthew Tkachuk's Florida Panthers are set to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at their home opener tonight and something incredibly special is being planned.

With the Columbus Blue Jackets preparing for their home opener, emotions are running high. A set of simple guidelines has been given to the team: let the feelings flow, be that through tears or finding moments of laughter. Most importantly, playing the game as Johnny Gaudreau would have, fearless and for him. The night will be dedicated to the memory of Gaudreau, also called "Johnny Hockey," and his brother Matthew Gaudreau, who died tragically in a biking accident at the end of August.

The Blue Jackets host the Florida Panthers for what is setting up to be an emotional-filled night. Gaudreau was going to start his third season with Columbus and his 11th overall in the NHL, thus holding an important place in the team and the league, while his brother Matthew was less known but had still carved out a respectable career in professional hockey across North America and Europe. The family believed the two were murdered by a suspected drunken driver, which happened right before their sister Katie's wedding, adding to the poignancy. Matthew Tkachuk is unfortunately going to miss this very special night due to an illness, and he is absolutely devastated and let his feelings known to the hockey world.

The league and its teams have rallied in their show of tribute to the brothers, with all 32 NHL franchises donning special helmet decals displaying the numbers 13 and 21, along with the letter "G." These will be worn through late October, in a gesture USA Hockey has matched by extending the tribute across its teams for the year. The number 13 he wore for the Jackets and 21 for whichever professional league Matthew took part in, is a reminder of their deep contribution to hockey and the ways their memory will go on.

Reminders of Johnny Gaudreau will fill the arena on Tuesday. The Blue Jackets and Panthers will wear Gaudreau's name and number 13 on their jerseys for warmups, and the fans will join in on the action, as every fan in attendance will receive a "13" patch. The numbers and nameplates on the jerseys will be auctioned off thereafter, with the proceeds going toward the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, the ultimate seal on the brothers' legacy. The puck drop, fittingly, won't just be at any time but rather at 7:13 p.m., which is in recognition of his jersey number.

Tuesday night won't be the first major tribute to take place and it also won't be the last. Johnny Gaudreau's father, Guy Gaudreau, has been a presence with the team during practice and will be there for the game. This game will be just one of many tributes. The memory of Johnny and Matthew will live not just in Columbus, but everywhere else; their legacy in the world of hockey will be kept alive for years.

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