The Columbus Blue Jackets are making their lone visit to Calgary of the season, and this time they brought a familiar face with them: former Calgary Flames winger Johnny Gaudreau, who signed in Ohio over the summer. There’s a good chance he’ll hear some boo-birds in the Saddledome crowd during Monday’s game.

Gaudreau’s new teammates tried to help him get used to it at morning skate, jokingly booing him briefly when he was trying to handle the puck.

Speaking to the media after practice, Gaudreau repeatedly praised the Flames organization and the fans for how well he was treated while he was a Flame. But he also acknowledged that, yeah, he’s probably gonna hear it from the Flames faithful during the game.

“They love their Flames,” noted Gaudreau. “But I’m not on the Flames anymore, I’m on the other team. So I get it.”

Gaudreau reflected on his time with the Flames during the morning media availability, noting that his big hug in the tunnel with Sean Monahan after his Game 7 overtime game-winning goal over Dallas in the 2022 playoffs was his favourite moment as a Flame.

The Flames host Gaudreau and the Blue Jackets for the only time this season on Monday night.