There is some type of grief that never really leaves you. And the death of a dear departed is certainly one such. This type has a way of echoing through moments you thought you’d made peace with. For Meredith Gaudreau, wife of late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, one such moment returned recently.

When Meredith Gaudreau shared a quiet tribute with a single word—“Cute 🥺”—it spoke volumes. The photo she posted in her Instagram stories, shared on the fan account @johnnyhockeyfan_13, showed her late husband, Johnny Gaudreau, beaming in a playoff media moment. But it wasn’t just a throwback. It was a wave of memory that still tugged at the heartstrings of the NHL community.

August 29, 2024, marked a dark day for the hockey world. Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck and killed by an intoxicated driver while cycling in Salem County, New Jersey. While Johnny was an NHL star, Matthew carved his own path in the sport with heart and dedication. Their loss sent shockwaves through the hockey community.

Nearly a year after the tragic passing of Johnny, Meredith’s quiet tribute resurfaced online. It reminded the hockey world of a loss that’s still deeply felt. The couple had long been an integral part of the Columbus Blue Jackets family, and fans found themselves united in remembrance once again.

The NHL world still feel Johnny Gaudreau’s presence

Their families chose to build something enduring in the Gaudreau brothers’ memory. In March 2025, their widows, Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau, launched the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. With a mission to support youth hockey and families affected by tragedy, the foundation channels the Gaudreau brothers’ spirit into fundraising events, memorabilia auctions, and programs for young athletes and those with special needs.

When Meredith’s post resurfaced It didn’t take long for the hockey faithful to pour into the comments section with emotion and warmth. “Missing playoff Johnny a little extra these days,” wrote one fan, capturing the season’s sentiment. “Man these were the best,” another added, referring to Johnny’s playoff form. There was more than just nostalgia at play here. Some saw flashes of Johnny in recent games, like this fan who said, “I felt the spirit of Gaudreau last night when Caufield made that goal after being flattened by Ovi.” And for others, it was about unfinished chapters: “He deserved to see more playoffs,” one comment read. A sentiment echoed across platforms. One poignant reply stood out: “I will forever miss him & his smile.” And it is an honest reaction that many in the NHL community can resonate and relate with.

Johnny Gaudreau wasn’t just an elite winger or a highlight reel waiting to happen. He was a beacon for his teammates, a fan favorite, and a deeply loved husband. Meredith’s post reminded fans not just of his career but of the man behind the jersey. The one whose smile lit up press rooms as easily as he lit up scoreboards. And as the playoffs heat up, fans are missing his magic on the ice, but they’re also holding tight to what he left behind. In every tribute, every shared moment, Johnny’s presence still lingers. Johnny is loved, missed, and never forgotten.