Johnny Gaudreau’s Son Caught in Adorable Moment with Blue Jackets Star’s Son

The hockey world stood still in August when the Gaudreau brothers, Johnny and Matthew, tragically lost their lives in an accident. This devastating event not only affected the NHL but also sent shockwaves through the hearts of family, friends, and fans who cherished their vibrant spirits. Yet, amidst this lingering sense of loss, a beautiful moment emerged, serving as a poignant reminder of the deep connections that hockey fosters beyond the rink.

Carter Gaudreau, the son of Johnny and Meredith, was born just months after the tragedy. In a heartwarming twist of fate, he has found a sibling-in-spirit in Jaxon Merzlikins, the newborn son of Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and his wife, Aleksandra. These two little boys recently captured public attention in a way that’s undeniably heartwarming. B/R Open Ice shared an endearing snapshot: “Aleksandra Merzlikins shared a photo of her and Elvis Merzlikins’ son with Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau’s son 🥺.” Picture this—two babies, peacefully asleep side by side, adorned in their fathers’ Blue Jackets jerseys. It’s that kind of image that makes your heart skip a beat.

Aleksandra’s Instagram story captured the moment perfectly: “Future teammates ❤️.” It’s a fitting sentiment, considering their fathers once shared the ice as teammates for the Blue Jackets, forging a brotherhood that lives on through their children. Jaxon, born on March 16, carries the middle name “John,” an emotional tribute to Johnny Gaudreau from the Merzlikins family. This gesture speaks volumes about honoring a fallen comrade; it’s not the first time the Merzlikins have paid homage to a lost teammate. Jaxon’s older brother, Knox, was given the middle name “Matiss” to honor former goalie Matiss Kivlenieks, who tragically died in a 2021 fireworks accident. As Elvis Merzlikins expressed, “It was important to have him with us. Now there is going to be something from Johnny with us.”

Elvis keeps the memory of Johnny Gaudreau alive in various ways. His goalie mask this season prominently features Johnny’s No. 13 on the front, along with both Johnny’s and Kivlenieks’ numbers—13 and 80—on the back. During the Blue Jackets’ outdoor game at Ohio Stadium on March 1, Elvis’s mask displayed an artistic portrayal of Gaudreau taking a shot at Kivlenieks. That game, part of the 2025 NHL Stadium Series, was memorable for another reason: Elvis walked behind Meredith and Jane Gaudreau as they led the team onto the ice in front of an astonishing crowd of 94,751 fans.

In a season filled with high stakes, the tender image of Carter and Jaxon serves as a reminder that hockey’s true essence shines brightest during love-filled moments of remembrance. Recently, the NHL also honored Johnny Gaudreau in a higher regard, recognizing him alongside other giants of the game.

Johnny Gaudreau Posthumously Named to the NHL’s Quarter-Century Team

Johnny Gaudreau, the electrifying forward forever etched in the annals of Calgary Flames lore, has been posthumously named to the NHL’s Quarter-Century Team. This honor, celebrating the top skaters who debuted after 2010, is a testament to the indelible mark “Johnny Hockey” left on the ice. His dazzling play—characterized by slick moves and an uncanny ability to find the net—made him a true icon in Calgary. Fans still recall his phenomenal 2021-22 season, where he netted 40 goals and accumulated 115 points, along with that heart-stopping Game 7 overtime winner against Dallas in the playoffs. Those unforgettable moments defined his career.

Johnny Gaudreau’s statistics narrate a tale of brilliance. With 210 goals, he ranks among the Flames’ top 10 scorers, while his 399 assists and 609 points place him in the franchise’s elite top five. Beyond mere stats, he was the ignition in Calgary’s forward lines, forming potent partnerships with line mates like Sean Monahan and Matthew Tkachuk to produce captivating hockey. His flair redefined the potential of smaller players in a physically demanding league, inspiring a generation of fans and players alike.

The NHL’s Quarter-Century Team, voted on by fans to commemorate 25 years of player legacies, rightly includes Gaudreau among its ranks. Since his passing, heartfelt tributes and vigils have resonated through Calgary, Columbus, and far beyond, affirming the profound impact he had on the hockey community. His family is dedicated to preserving his legacy through the Gaudreau Foundation, which supports young hockey players in achieving their dreams and aids families affected by tragedies caused by alcohol-related incidents. Events, such as an annual 5K race, have been organized to rally communities in honor of his memory while championing a cause that resonates deeply.

Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy transcends the goals scored and the highlight reels; it lies in the moments of joy he created and the love he inspired off the ice. His inclusion in the Quarter-Century Team cements his status as one of hockey’s unforgettable stars, a Flame whose spirit continues to shine brightly.