Blue Jackets teammates prep Gaudreau for his return to Calgary with a chorus of boo's

Johnny Gaudreau makes his return to Calgary, Alberta this evening as his Columbus Blue Jackets take on the Calgary Flames.

Gaudreau, of course, left the Flames organization this past offseason after looking like he was going to re-up with the team long-term. Flash forward to now though and the Flames are a very different looking time, while Gaudreau has struggled in his first season in Columbus.

The Flames don't seem to be quite the offensive juggernaut they were when Gaudreau was in the fold, but Gaudreau himself has also failed to match his output from last season in Calgary. Sure, he's got 44 points in 46 games, but he's coming off a 115 point campaign and the Blue Jackets are amongst the worst teams in the NHL. The Blue Jackets have a better chance at Connor Bedard and the 1st overall pick than they have at a playoff wild card spot.

As for the Flames, they've struggled to adjust to a new system and style of play this season. They're currently out of the Western Conference playoff picture, but are certainly in the mix and will need a strong finish to the season in order to get into the dance. And what better way to get on a roll than by picking up an easy win over Gaudreau and the Blue Jackets tonight?

Personally, I'll be interested to see the reception that Gaudreau receives this evening, but I imagine he'll receive his fair share of boo's from the Flames faithful. With that in mind, Gaudreau's teammates this morning helped him feel comfortable by chirping him with boo's every time he touched the puck in practice.

Check it out:

That ain't nothing, Johnny!

I imagine he'll get a bit rougher of a ride this evening in the Saddledome. Stay tuned.