As we inch closer to the 1 year anniversary of Matthew and Johnny Gaudreau’s passing, one thing is clear: theirs is a memory that will forever be cherished and remembered. But as much as the Gaudreaus, fans and Johnny’s former teammates find comfort in remembrance, it also brings with it bittersweetness. Because sometimes there are those days where the grief hits just a little deeper. And with one such day just around the corner, Johnny’s wife Meredith, has penned an emotional message.

Johnny’s children, Noa, Johnny Jr. and Carter, carry his legacy in their eyes and spirit, while his wife keeps his memory alive with every milestone and sweet moment they share. In a heartfelt and personal essay for The Players’ Tribune, Meredith Gaudreau shared her emotions as she paid tribute to Johnny on the first Father’s Day he won’t be able to celebrate in person.

Meredith talked about the huge emptiness that’s been left behind—how the little things, like those sweet first smiles and cozy bedtime cuddles, are mixed with a touch of sadness since her husband isn’t around to see them. Though pieces of him live on in his children, Johnny’s absence continues to be felt in every moment.

“You were perfect. I don’t know how you could have ever been better,” Meredith wrote, paying tribute to her late husband. Meredith shares that gut-wrenching moment when she found out about Johnny and his brother Matthew’s accident—a day that was supposed to be a day of celebration but turned into one of unimaginable loss.

Meredith talks about the intense physical pain that came next, the nights spent tossing and turning in distress, and how each trip to the doctor with her newborn was a harsh reminder that Johnny must have been right there beside her. “To go from getting ready for a beautiful wedding all week with your sister, to being in a funeral home with Madeline trying to figure all these things out — it just hurt so much. It was weird and it was awful. I had to go to the doctor for our third baby. The first of my appointments where you weren’t holding my hand,” wrote Meredith.

Even in the midst of this unimaginable sorrow, what stands out the most is Meredith’s steadfast love and quiet strength. And as they have throughout, the hockey community once again showed their support.

Johnny Gaudreau’s tribute left fans in tears

Meredith Gaudreau’s words struck a chord with many fans who came together to voice their support online. “Well now I’m sobbing. Beautiful tribute,” wrote a fan whileanother commented, “Amazing Mer! Hugs and God Bless.”

“Don’t think I’ll ever not cry when I see a tribute to him,” read a comment, showing just how deeply Johnny Gaudreau’s memory still touches his fans, with tears always present in every remembrance.

Reflecting on the tribute, this fan wrote of how deeply they felt the strength of Johnny’s family during such a tough time. “Whenever I see or think of the Gaudreau family, my heart shatters for them all over again. What a tragedy. They have all been so strong throughout.” Another fan shared, “May God bless and keep the Gaudreau family. Yup, we’re all crying.”

Every comment on social media really highlighted how Meredith’s tribute has resonated with so many, connecting personal loss with a shared sense of mourning. The wave of feelings—from tears to prayers—shows just how deep the connection is between the Gaudreaus and the hockey community.