The Red Wings were about to play the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2025 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series (6 p.m. ET; ESPN, ESPN+, Disney+, TVAS-D, FX-CA).
The Gaudreau brothers died Aug. 29. They were riding bicycles at home in Salem County, New Jersey, when they were struck by an alleged drunk driver, who has been charged with two counts of death by auto.
Johnny played 11 seasons in the NHL, the last two in Columbus. Matthew played in the minor leagues.
Columbus coach Dean Evason said he spoke to Red Wings coach Todd McLellan about the plan Thursday, when the teams played in Detroit. The Gaudreaus’ mother, Jane, was in the stands at Little Caesars Arena that night as part of the Blue Jackets moms trip.
“Everybody’s touched, right?” Evason said. “To honor him in any way like we all have, I think it’s absolutely fantastic. Johnny’s with us here.”
