​Elvis Merzlikins honor from Johnny Gaudreau with a heart-touching tribute during the welcome of his newly delivered baby

The entire hockey world is still mourning the unfortunate demise of Johnny Gaudreau, who lost his life untimely, leaving behind an irreplaceable void. Even as teammates, fans, and the whole NHL community pay his tributes, one of the most moving tributes is by Elvis Merzlikins, the goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets. On March 16, 2025, Merzlikins and his family welcomed their second baby into the world, and in a very emotional moment, they named their newborn son Jaxon John Merzlikins as a dedicated commitment to his late teammate. This beautiful moment, when joy melted into memory, resonated greatly with the hockey community for that reminder of the unbreakable bonds formed both on and off the ice.


Elvis Merzlikins has lived his life in great appreciation of the brotherhood within the Blue Jackets family, and this latest gesture proves that. When announcing the birth of his child, Merzlikins found time to include a tribute to Johnny Gaudreau. Naming a child after Gaudreau—"John"—was not just a tribute; it meant that his legacy now lives on in a form that continues to be important and personal.
Merzlikins also went ahead to thank his wife for being strong throughout the entire process and thanked the hospital for their efforts during the entire process. His announcement was met with overwhelming joy from teammates and fans, including Meredith Gaudreau, who reacted in a very emotional manner. Her heartbreaking answer,"Loveeee Himmmmm," showcased how much meaning this would hold for her and her family.

Fans instantly thought this was not the first time Merzlikins had honored a fallen teammate, having named his first son, Knox Matiss Merzlikins, in memory of his late former Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks, who died tragically in 2021. Now, Merzlikins has done it yet again with the announcement of Jaxon John, proving he is always committed to keeping alive the memories of his lost brothers.
Social media was ablaze with emotional reactions, with fans pointing out the honor that this child's name had for two players rather than one, which is the true meaning of loyalty and brotherhood.
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The tribute from Elvis Merzlikins to Johnny Gaudreau serves as a very strong reminder that true friendships extend far beyond the game. By naming his son after his beloved teammate, Gaudreau's memory will be alive for generations to come. In times of loss, a heartfelt gesture like this will comfort many, as hockey is much more than just a sport; it is a family.