Johnny Gaudreau is beyond worthy of suggested honors from Blue Jackets, Flames, and the NHL

It's been an emotional few days around the hockey world, as everyone has come together to mourn the loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. The brothers were tragically taken from us on Thursday, struck by a vehicle driven by a drunk driver.

We've all grieved in our own ways. For many, that grieving has included adding to memorials at hockey rinks around the world. For others, they've shared kind words. And a few (like yours truly) have opted for quiet grieving.

I've seen tribute ideas for Johnny coming up on social media, and while we can't expect teams (or the NHL) to jump on board with every idea that is brought up; I don't think it's a stretch to say that if anybody deserves special honor, it's the Gaudreau brothers.

First, I've seen petitions from both the Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets fanbases to retire #13 to the rafters. This says a lot about Johnny's impact in both cities, but especially in Calgary; a city with a much longer NHL history than Columbus. We all understand now, why their fans were so upset when Johnny decided to sign elsewhere two summers ago.

His contributions on the ice are eclipsed only by his presence off the ice. He's adored by both fanbases, not only because of his talent; but because of his down to earth, approachable persona. His influence on the game in both cities is immeasurable.

While we're at it, retire Matiss Kivlenieks' #80 to the rafters at Nationwide Arena. This should have been done well before now.

The other idea I've seen on social media? Rename the Lady Byng Trophy after Johnny Gaudreau.

This is a wonderful idea. The Lady Byng Trophy is given annually to the NHL player "adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability."

It's the only major award Johnny Gaudreau won in his NHL career. Sportsmanship may be a massive understatement for a player who accrued just 176 penalty minutes in 763 career NHL games.

More to the point, without looking: how many people can actually tell you why it's called the Lady Byng? I mean zero disrespect here, but it's just the honest truth. Unless you're a hockey die-hard like myself, you probably don't know the answer to this question.

You can find the answer here, but the gist is that Marie Evelyn Moreton (Lady Byng) donated the trophy itself to the NHL. It was first given out after the 1924-25 NHL season - which means that this year will be the 100th anniversary of the award.

What better way to honor its 100 year history, than to rename the award after someone who so exemplified sportsmanship to the game; but was lost at a young age?

Whether any of these things happen or not; the Flames, Blue Jackets, and the entire NHL need to find a way to honor both Gaudreau brothers in a respectful, memorable way. This is a family who touched the sport in so many different areas. Both Johnny and Matthew deserve to be remembered at the highest level.