On the ice, the Blue Jackets are excited to have Monahan, who is coming off a season in which he led the NHL with 83 games played and finished with 26 goals and 59 points. Those numbers are right in line with his career averages per 82 games, giving the Blue Jackets a center who can skate in the top six and contribute offensively.

The Columbus Blue Jackets convened for training camp Wednesday weighed down by the grief of losing star forward Johnny Gaudreau three weeks ago. One of the worst teams in the NHL last season, the Blue Jackets must find a way to move forward with a new general manager and new coach and with a huge void left on and off the ice by the death of the 31-year-old Gaudreau.

As NHL training camps opened this week, emotions were still raw after the deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, especially in Columbus. The Blue Jackets say they will learn and lean on each other as they navigate the season.

Captain Boone Jenner said Monahan will help the Blue Jackets in many ways. The 29-year-old had 59 points (26 goals, 33 assists) in 83 games with the Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets last season. Instead of complementing Johnny, he will have to help fill the void.

The death of Columbus Blue Jackets veteran forward Johnny Gaudreau has made the start of training camp difficult on his teammates, but they have a way of honoring him this year.

The NHL star and his brother Matthew died last month after an alleged drunk driver crashed into them while riding bicycles