Blue Jackets start camp with Gaudreau on their minds

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Columbus Blue Jackets opened training camp on Wednesday, but there’s still a door that can never be closed.

“I still think about it daily,” center Sean Monahan said.

It was a little more than a year ago when star forward Johnny Gaudreau was killed by a suspected drunk driver, and his teammates open camp with Gaudreau still on their minds.

“It’s crazy to think it’s been over a year already,” defenseman Zach Werenski said. “We’re going to honor him the best way we can, which is play hard and enjoy each other.”

Monahan moved to Columbus in large part to be close to his best friend, Gaudreau. He says a new season can be helpful from a mental standpoint.

“Just being back here with the guys, it makes things feel better,” Monahan said.