Mar 1, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; The family of Johnny Gaudreau, Jane, left, Meredith, right, and his children walk to Ohio Stadium before the NHL Stadium Series game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Samantha Madar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

nhl

Meredith Gaudreau and Blue Jackets Honor Late Johnny Gaudreau in Emotional Tribute

Johnny Gaudreau’s wife and children lead the Columbus Blue Jackets onto the ice as his former teammates pay tribute with his signature look.

Meredith Gaudreau continues to find heartfelt ways to honor the memory of her late husband, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau. On Saturday, March 1, she and their two children led the Columbus Blue Jackets onto the ice before their game against the Detroit Red Wings. Dressed in a white Blue Jackets letterman jacket, Meredith paid tribute to Johnny while carrying the couple’s third child.

Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, tragically lost their lives in August 2024 after being hit by an alleged drunk driver while biking in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. Their deaths came just a day before their sister’s wedding. In his honor, Johnny’s former teammates decided to wear his signature outfit before the game—a blue hoodie, black pants, black Ugg boots, and a black cap.

On behalf of Meredith Gaudreau: pic.twitter.com/7yhUHlD8Sn
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) March 2, 2025

“His style was definitely more unique, more laidback, He wore the same stuff all the time. I think that’s what made him, in a sense, a special person—how laid back he was. Part of that was his style. We just thought it was a great idea to dress like him.” : defenseman Zach Werenski shared with NHL.com.

The idea to recreate Johnny’s signature look was something Meredith helped bring to life. Team captain Boone Jenner explained, “She helped us a lot with pictures, trying to find his signature Johnny fit. We have to thank her a lot.” Meredith even purchased the hoodies from Avalon Surf Shop in New Jersey, a place that held special memories for the Gaudreau family.

Meredith, Jane, Noa and Johnny Gaudreau Jr. lead the Columbus Blue Jackets out at Ohio Stadium 💙❤️ #StadiumSeries

🇺🇸: @espn ➡️ https://t.co/S5tPrXCygm
🇨🇦: FX & @TVASports pic.twitter.com/g5SDRJCcWp
— NHL (@NHL) March 1, 2025

“He wore that sweatshirt a lot; just a simple hoodie, simple sweats, He’s got the Ugg boots that he’d always wear in the winter. ‘Mer bought him that Amiri hat with the three stars, and he wore it all the time. It’s pretty funny—the ones we’re wearing are black, but his was pretty beat down with sweat stains.” : Jenner said

For Meredith, this tribute was deeply personal. Alongside her were their children, Noa and Johnny Jr., and Johnny’s mother, Jane. Injured Blue Jackets players Sean Monahan and Erik Gudbranson also walked with them onto the ice.

During a timeout in the first period, the arena honored Johnny in another emotional moment. As Jane Gaudreau appeared on the big screen, the crowd erupted in a chant of “Johnny Hockey.” Fans passed a massive banner with his name and number across the stadium, a fitting tribute to a player and person who left an unforgettable mark on the game and those who loved him.

Image Credit: Samantha Madar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Columbus Blue Jackets

Johnny Gaudreau

NHL

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!