The hockey world continues to reel from the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. And in front of media, Blue Jackets players and staff expressed their grief at the tragic loss.

The tragedy that took the lives of Columbus Blue Jackets star winger Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew Gaudreau, have understandably hit the hockey world very hard. 

At a media availability Wednesday, Blue Jackets staff and players tried to express their profound grief at the loss of the brothers.

"In talking to people in the organization...it is apparent just how special a person Johnny was, and how significant his loss is being felt by everyone," said Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell. "While there’s a huge hole in our lineup, there’s an even larger one in our hearts. Our immediate focus is on supporting the Gaudreau family, and supporting each other as we continue to grieve the loss of Johnny and Matthew."

Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner said while he didn't know Matthew Gaudreau as well as his teammate, it's clear he and Johnny Gaudreau "shared an inseparable bond."

“In the past few days, moving through all the emotions – anger, sadness, disbelief and emptiness, I’ve come to realize how much love I have for John," Jenner said. "I’m very honored to be able to speak to what John meant, not only to me but all of his teammates and the positive impact he had on our lives.”

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LVZ3wkdzts[/embed]

It was clear from the press conference that navigating through this terrible time will be a team effort by the Blue Jackets. 

Jenner, defensemen Erik Gudbranson and Zach Werenski and forward Sean Kuraly all were emotional as they spoke at the press conference Wednesday, and it was obvious how much Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau will be missed.

"They're each other's brothers, and these guys will do a tremendous job to help everybody through it," Waddell said.

Added Werenski: “We all know how much John and Matty meant to everyone, and while there will always be an empty feeling without them, I hope we can all find peace and comfort in knowing they’ve touched the lives of so many people.”

Kuraly also shared more about Johnny Gaudreau's character.

“Good to the core, John leaves us a life’s example of love, simplicity and joy,” Kuraly said. “He expressed that for the masses through hockey, and personally through his relationships, which explains why he was universally adored in all the communities and lives that were lucky enough to enjoy No. 13. To say John will be missed doesn’t completely capture it. May you and your brother Matt rest peacefully.”

Waddell told media the team plans to travel together to attend the services for the Gaudreau brothers when the family announces details. But everyone Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau met – from their home state of New Jersey to Calgary, Columbus, Boston and all points in between – know they’ll have to live with the grief that comes with losing two young men in the primes of their lives.

“I just want to say thank you, John, for choosing Columbus when other people wouldn’t,” said Werenski, referring to Johnny Gaudreau’s decision to sign with the Blue Jackets as a free agent in 2022. “You brought so much joy and excitement to this city. I’ve never quite seen anything like it – something only truly special players can do, and that’s what you were.

“I’ll always love and miss John so much, and I just want to say thank you, John, for letting me be a part of your life. It’s been so special to get to know him and his family firsthand, and while this pain will never go away, I think we can all find a little comfort knowing that Johnny and Matty lived life to the fullest every day.”