How Johnny Gaudreau’s Wife Meredith Is Helping Her Son Get to Know the Father He Never Met (Exclusive)

**Remembering Johnny Gaudreau: A Mother’s Heartfelt Tribute to Her Late Husband Through Their Son**

In a poignant reflection on love and loss, Meredith Gaudreau expresses her deep connection to her late husband, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau, through their youngest son, Carter. Johnny, who was tragically killed in August 2024, was only 31 years old when he and his brother Matthew died in an accident allegedly involving a drunk driver. Meredith was just seven weeks pregnant at the time, and though Johnny never had the chance to welcome Carter into the world, their brief moment of anticipation before the tragedy is a cherished memory for his wife.

Carter, now 16 months old, resembles his father in so many ways, according to Meredith. “When I look at Carter, I just don’t see anything but John,” she remarked during an interview with PEOPLE. She shared that Carter’s joyful expressions constantly remind her of Johnny, igniting “flashbacks” that evoke memories of the vibrant man she fell in love with.

The couple, who married in 2021, were joyful parents to two children prior to Carter’s arrival: three-year-old daughter Noa and two-year-old son Johnny. Johnny was ecstatic upon learning Meredith was expecting again, just five months after their second child was born. “He said he couldn’t stop thinking about it when he was skating one day,” Meredith recalled, revealing the enthusiasm Johnny expressed in a series of messages. She plans to keep these heartfelt texts as keepsakes for Carter as he grows older.

Just days after they learned of the pregnancy, tragedy struck, leaving Meredith to navigate the grief of losing her husband while also preparing for the arrival of their child. During the memorial service following Johnny and Matthew’s untimely deaths, Meredith disclosed her pregnancy. “I wanted everyone to know all John’s accomplishments and, first and foremost, that he was an amazing father,” she explained, reflecting on the deep loss of opportunities for Johnny to be part of Carter’s life.

Adding to the weight of their loss, Meredith’s sister-in-law Madeline, Matthew’s wife, was also expecting. Both women relied on each other for support through the dual trials of mourning and pregnancy. “When I told her I was pregnant, she was very excited and said, ‘Congratulations!’” Meredith recounted. In the wake of their shared grief, that moment of joy offered Meredith some comfort amid heartbreak.

As Carter’s due date approached, Meredith embraced the joyful anticipation of motherhood once again. “I was beaming,” she shared, highlighting the overwhelming love she felt as she prepared to welcome her baby. When Carter was born in April 2025, he shared not only his father’s features but also his birth weight and measurements, a poignant reminder of the man lost too soon.

In the two years since Johnny’s passing, Meredith has made it a priority to keep his memory alive within the family. “I talk about him every day,” she affirmed. She shares stories with their children about their father, pointing out familiar places and sharing anecdotes filled with love. By reinforcing Johnny’s memory in their daily lives, Meredith hopes to weave him into the fabric of their existence.

Meredith has compiled a treasure trove of memories—text messages, photos, and personal keepsakes—to ensure that their children grow up knowing the man their father was. “I’ve kept everything,” she stated emphatically, from their wedding preparations to everyday conversations. She believes it’s essential to pass on these memories to Carter, especially highlighting Johnny’s excitement when they discovered they were expecting him.

Through her unwavering love and commitment, Meredith Gaudreau strives to honour Johnny’s legacy, not just for herself but for their children. As she works to keep his spirit alive, Meredith remains an embodiment of strength, navigating the dual roles of mother and keeper of memory in the face of profound loss.

With her deep resilience and dedication, Meredith continues to cultivate a nurturing environment filled with memories of their beloved father, allowing Carter and his siblings to grow up with a sense of connection to the man who would have adored them deeply.