Avalanche criticized for disrespecting Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau

Yes, Nathan MacKinnon's Hart Trophy win with Denver Nuggets MVP Nikola Jokic presenting it was a huge moment for the team and the city, watching two icons who brought titles to them in 2022(Avs) and 23 (Nuggets).

However, with the Columbus Blue Jackets in town, who just went through the heartbreaking loss of franchise star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, it felt off. The brothers tragically lost their lives after being hit by drunk driver Sean Higgins on August 29. A moment of silence to honor them would have been the right thing to do.

Around the NHL, teams have been paying their respects in different ways video tributes, moments of silence, patches on helmets. Cole Caufield even changed his number to #13 to honor Johnny.

It seemed like a requirement teams were supposed to do something at their home openers to recognize the loss? Maybe there was some discussion behind the scenes, especially since Columbus just went through it at the Minnesota Wild's home opener where they had a standing ovation and lit up the numbers 13 and 21 on the ice. Yes, that repeating of the tribute could be tough emotionally for the Jackets, and they probably didn't want another right before their own home opener.

Still, acknowledging the tragedy would've shown some class. It wouldn't have taken much to do a quick 10-15 second moment of silence, no need for a video, only a simple recognition of the moment. The pregame festivities would go off without a hitch from anyone.

Columbus got the last word, though, winning 6-4. Maybe that's a little karma.