Gary Bettman and the NHL reportedly make massive exemption for Cole Caufield to honour Johnny Gaudreau

Over the past few days, we've seen many touching tributes from fans, former teammates and anyone involved in the NHL following the passing of Johnny Gaudreau, including two vigils held by his former teams last night. One of the most touching tributes however came from Cole Caufield, with the Montreal Canadiens forward announcing on social media that he would be wearing No. 13 moving forward to honour his hero.

The change went through, but reportedly, it almost didn't, with Alexandre Tourigny revealing that the deadline to make a jersey change reportedly came and went, but Gary Bettman and the NHL made the call to allow it to happen given the tragic circumstances.

It would have been very easy for the NHL not to allow this change to happen, but given how beloved Johnny and his family were not only in Calgary and Columbus but around the league, it's a perfect tribute and something that Gary Bettman swiftly allowed despite the deadline. Given his influence on smaller players around the league, it wouldn't be a surprise if other players ultimately made this switch, but for now, Caufield will wear 13 in Montreal moving forward as he looks to honour his hero.

Source: Habs Fanatics
The change of Cole Caufield's jersey number was prohibited, Gary Bettman had to respond