The beloved Gaudreau brothers left the hockey world reeling with grief when they both tragically lost their lives in an accident, shocking the entire NHL community. A loss that was not just about losing two young athletes but many cherished bonds tied together in the form of friendship, love, and family. Both Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Gaudreau left a void that no words could ever fill. However, it was in the midst of this heartbreak that the hockey world came together to keep the memory of the brothers alive.

Although the grief still persists, there are moments of light that pierce through. There are bonds that are forged even in dark times. And one such bond is slowly forming between Carter Gaudreau, the son of Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau, born just months after the tragic incident and Jaxon Merzlikings, the son of Blue Jackets goaltender, Elvis Merzlikins.

And it came like a gentle breeze through all the chaos surrounding the high-stakes playoff season, when B/R Open Ice shared a tender update on X. What exactly? “Aleksandra Merzlikins shared a photo of her and Elvis Merzlikins’ son with Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau’s son 🥺,” the post read. Honestly, it’s more than enough to melt your heart right away. Two hockey legends’ babies sleeping side by side wearing their fathers’ jerseys.

And the caption? Nothing more soothing to bring a pause and a reminder of the enduring bonds that hockey weaves off the ice. “Future teammates ❤️,” Aleksandra Merzlikins, wife of Elvis Merzlikins, wrote while sharing the update over her instagram stories. And hey, how could they not be one after their fathers shared the common bond while playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets together? After all, Merzlikins already named his little baby after No. 13. “Baby Jaxon John Merzlikins has arrived! ❤️,” he wrote in an Instagram post, announcing his heartfelt tribute to his late teammate.

To say that in the middle of roaring arenas, the image just brought warmth and memory would be an understatement. Because it was more than that, carrying a deeper meaning that represents how quiet remembrance can live on through the smallest gestures. However, she didn’t stop there. There was rather a funny yet cute remark she addressed when she wrote, “One with definitely better hair @meredithgaudreau_ 😂,” further offering a touch of lightness. Perhaps referring to the beautiful locks his father himself had, deep and black.

But hey, this isn’t only where Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy continues to burn brightly; it speaks louder in not just NHL arenas but international ones too.

IIHF Men’s World Championships honored Johnny Gaudreau

With Team USA setting its mark by making a dominating start in the World Championships, it was a touching way to honor their late winger before the tournament started. While keeping the No. 13 inside the locker room as a tribute to Johnny Gaudreau, the IIHF showcased a tribute video that stirred many hearts around the world, including that of his wife, who couldn’t wait to express her emotions—“My adorable husband <3. Miss you so much. Everything for you,” Meredith Gaudreau expressed.

After all, it was just a year ago, in this very tournament, that Johnny etched his name into the hockey world by becoming the all-time leader in points! Talk about scoring goals and assists, Gaudreau reached his 43 points. However, now, when the former teammates lace up for another campaign, it’s his absence that is felt again. To say that it lingers not just as a void, but as a weight of memory too.

Perhaps the one alongside Captain America—Matthew Tkachuk and Auston Matthews, whom fans and spectators desperately wanted on ice. But while Matthews and Tkachuk still can lead the American charge despite being busy in their playoff series, the quiet space surrounds near Johnny Gaudreau, who will forever be missed but never forgotten.