221 Days After Losing Johnny Gaudreau, Matthew Tkachuk and NHL Community Welcome New Family Member

In the wake of her husband, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau’s tragic passing in August 2024, Meredith Gaudreau has committed herself to honoring his memory and legacy. Her involvement in the numerous tributes to her husband is noteworthy, including the time she led the Columbus Blue Jackets onto the ice during a special ceremony in March 2025, showcasing her dedication to commemorating Johnny’s influence on the hockey community.

Meredith has also taken to social media to share several personal stories and heartfelt messages, honoring Johnny as a dedicated husband and father. Through these actions and the work of the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation, Meredith remains committed to preserving the legacy of her late husband. And would you believe it? She has recently celebrated the arrival of their third child, Carter Michael Gaudreau, a name chosen to honor his father, Johnny Gaudreau, with both sharing the same middle name and even birth weight!

On Instagram, Meredith expressed her joy with a heartfelt announcement, saying, “I had our third baby! 4/1/25 Another baby boy 🥹💙Carter Michael Gaudreau – same middle name as his daddy. 8lb 3 ounces, 20.5 inches – exact same as his daddy. He looks exactly like his daddy too 🥰. I love you so much my baby! We are going to have so much fun. I can’t wait to give you the best life, my special boy forever.”

This marks a significant turning point in her life, emerging from a heartbreaking chapter where she experienced the loss of her husband. The Instagram post featured some truly adorable details. Carter was joined by his elder sister Noa Harper Gaudreau and brother Johnny Jr., who posed alongside their mother.

As you continue to examine the remaining slides, you’ll notice the charming images of Johnny’s children, including the newborn. Additionally, one shot highlights the baby in the background, while the foreground draws attention to a photo frame featuring Johnny and Meredith. What was the response from the hockey community regarding this news?

The hockey community united to shower support on Johnny Gaudreau’s son

After viewing the charming Instagram post, many fans flocked to the comment section, but so did other players. One of them was Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk, who remarked, “Johnnys twin!! ❤️❤️❤️” A fan shared a heartfelt message regarding the baby’s details, stating, “That’s your husbands way of letting you know he was there and always will be❤️ congratulations!! What a sweet baby boy.”

Madeline, the wife of Matthew Gaudreau, Johnny’s brother, expressed her affection with a heartfelt message: “I love you, Carter Michael 🤍🤍🤍 can’t wait for all the snuggles.” 

The family has continued to honor the brothers’ memory, committed to keeping their spirit alive through the foundation and by contributing to the causes the brothers championed.

But the birth of Carter represents a new way in which the flame of Johnny Gaudreau’s memory continues to burn steadily; a bright spot amidst the tragedy. Welcoming their third child has been a significant blessing for Meredith. As one fan expressed, “Daddy’s twin 🥺❤️ we love you so much sweet boy!” Another supporter expressed, “Congratulations Mer! He’s such a special boy. Sending so much love to you and your family 🩵🩵🩵”

Without a doubt, the arrival of Johnny Gaudreau’s third child has brought joy to family, friends, and the entire hockey community, who will undoubtedly support the Gaudreau family during this joyous occasion.