Matthew Tkachuk is forced to release a public statement before tonight's game

The Columbus Blue Jackets are set to host their home opener against the Florida Panthers this evening where they will hold a brief memorial for the lives of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau.

Both teams will take to the ice wearing Gaudreau jerseys for warmup and there will be a special ceremony before the puck drops.

Absent from the Panthers' lineup and from the ceremony though will be Gaudreau's long-time teammate Matthew Tkachuk. The pair were absolutely dynamic together during their time with the Calgary Flames, but an illness (suspected flu) for Tkachuk has prevented him from traveling with his team. As such, he won't be able to attend the game this evening and was forced to release a public statement on the matter.

From Tkachuk:

Anyone who was witness to the Tkachuk, Gaudreau and Elias Lindholm line in Calgary knows how close Gaudreau and Tkachuk were. The pair were like brothers and they both became major stars together as young men. 

All the best to Gaudreau's family, friends and teammates this evening... it's going to be hard to get through the evening without a box of tissues.