This season’s home opener for the Columbus Blue Jackets, scheduled for 2024-25, will have a more somber atmosphere as the team reflects on the recent loss of their talented forward, Johnny Gaudreau.

The Blue Jackets will compete against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, starting at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday at Nationwide Arena. Typically, the first home game of the season is celebrated with festivities and a player “blue carpet” event, but the team has postponed these activities to the game on October 17.

Instead, a special pre-game video presentation will take place along with a ceremony to honor both Johnny and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, at 7 p.m. during the home opener. The puck will drop at 7:13 p.m., highlighting Johnny’s jersey number 13.

Johnny Gaudreau, aged 31, and his brother Matthew, aged 29, tragically lost their lives on August 29 when a suspected drunk driver hit them while they were cycling in Oldmans Township, New Jersey.

Attendees at the home opener will have the chance to view a “special concourse tribute,” featuring items placed in remembrance of the brothers. Each fan will also receive a “13” patch, similar to those that will be worn by the Blue Jackets throughout the season, as noted in a press release from the team.

In addition, funds raised from the jersey auction, the CBJ Foundation’s 50/50 raffle, the CBJ Foundation game day auction, and sales of the “13 Gaudreau 21” lapel pins will benefit the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. Interested fans can text JOHNNY to 26791 or visit cbjauction.givesmart.com to participate in the auctions, which will close during the second intermission of the home opener, according to the press release.

On October 17, the usual home opener celebrations will commence with the CBJ Plaza Party at 3:30 p.m., leading up to the game against the Buffalo Sabres. Blue Jackets players will walk the “blue carpet” from 4-5 p.m., with arena doors opening at 5:30 p.m., according to the released information.