'Daddy's Twin': Late NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau's Wife Gives Birth to Their Third Child 7 Months After His Tragic Death

The widow of the late NHL star revealed a heartwarming detail about her newborn son that reminded her of her late husband.

Meredith Gaudreau shared a deeply emotional update on Instagram, announcing the arrival of her third child just seven months after the heartbreaking loss of her husband, NHL star Johnny Gaudreau. Her post sparked an outpouring of love, with fans flooding the comments section with touching messages.

"I had our third baby! 4/1/25," she wrote, "Another baby boy 🥹💙 Carter Michael Gaudreau - same middle name as his daddy." Meredith revealed that the newborn weighed "8lb 3 ounces, 20.5 inches – exact same as his daddy" and added, "He looks exactly like his daddy too 🥰."

In a touching message to her son, the mom of three wrote, "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."

In a heartfelt tribute to Johnny, she said, "John, thank you for giving me our beautiful family. We love u, Daddy and miss you so much ♥️ [sic]."

Carter joins his older siblings, Noa, born in 2022, and Johnny Jr., born in 2024. Meredith's post included several touching photos, one of which showed a trophy engraved with Johnny's birth weight and length, now shared by his youngest son.

Another meaningful image captured the newborn in an outfit with the write-up, "Daddy," and sporting the number 13. This was Johnny's jersey number when he played for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The number holds another significance as it was also the day Johnny was born in August 1993.

Additional sweet snapshots featured Noa and Johnny Jr. proudly posing with their baby brother. Meredith joined her children in a few heartwarming shots, creating a picture-perfect family moment. Noa, in particular, looked thrilled, grinning from ear to ear as she posed with her newest sibling.

Fans flooded the comment section of Meredith's post with love and emotion. They celebrated the touching moment and the striking resemblance between the newborn and his late father.

One admirer shared their awe, "Wow! The weight and length exactly the same is truly heaven sent ! Johnny sent a glimmer to show you he is there with you all ! 💙💙💙💙💙💙✨ [sic]."

Another commenter seemed certain of the special bond, exclaiming, "We just knew!!! 🩵 daddy's twin!!!! Counting down the days we get to snuggle all 4 of you." One fan wrote a simple yet heartfelt message, "Congratulations!! Looks just like his daddy🤍."

Someone else felt the moment held a deeper meaning, stating, "A special message from heaven for sure!" Others couldn't help but comment on the baby's standout features, "That's a lotta hair! Just like his daddy :) Congrats! He already has Hockey Flo."

One particularly emotional message read, "Daddy's mini me!!! So proud of you Mere💙 congrats!!! He is perfect🥹."

Carter's joyful arrival has excited the Gaudreau family, especially his older siblings. From his matching stats to jersey number 13, baby Carter carries special reminders of his late father, Johnny, who tragically died on August 29, 2024.

Johnny and his younger brother Matthew, were involved in a fatal accident while riding their bicycles along County Route 551 in Oldmans Township, New Jersey. The two were cycling on the right side of the road when a Jeep attempting to overtake a slower vehicle veered into their path, striking them both.

The driver, a 43-year-old man from Woodstown, New Jersey, was identified by authorities as the individual behind the wheel during the crash. The collision claimed the lives of both brothers, leaving behind grieving families, teammates, and friends.

Their uncle, Jim Gaudreau, described the brothers in a statement, "Last night we lost two husbands, two fathers, two sons, two brothers, two sons and brothers in law, two nephews, two cousins, two family members, two teammates, two friends but truly two amazing humans."

A then-pregnant Meredith also shared an emotional message, thanking Johnny for giving her the best years of her life.

She said, "Despite losing you, I am still the luckiest girl in the world to have been yours. I love you so so much. You were perfect. Some days it felt too good to be true. I love every single thing about you. You are my forever and I can't wait to be with you again. I love you so much forever and ever."

The Columbus Blue Jackets were also deeply shaken by the sudden loss of Johnny. "Johnny was not only a great hockey player, but more significantly a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend," the team shared in a heartfelt tribute.

They praised his talent, "Johnny played the game with great joy which was felt by everyone that saw him on the ice. He brought a genuine love for Hockey with him everywhere he played from Boston College to the Calgary Flames to Team USA to the Blue Jackets."

They also expressed how deeply he would be missed and affirmed their commitment to supporting his family through the difficult time ahead.

Even in the depths of heartbreak, Meredith has shown strength and grace while mourning the love of her life, supported by those around her. More than six months after Johnny and Matthew lost their lives, she and Matthew's widow are working tirelessly to carry on their memory in meaningful ways.

On March 19, Meredith and Madeline announced the launch of The John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. In their statement, they explained, "The JM Foundation's purpose is to continue giving back to what the boys are passionate about and to ultimately continue to make a positive impact in their honor."

The foundation's mission includes efforts to "promote and expand youth ice hockey opportunities," "help hockey families facing tragedies," and "help families that are unfortunately also affected by drunk driving" like theirs. Meredith and Madeline added, "We hope to make them proud."

In the months following the tragic deaths of Johnny and Matthew, much has been left behind and built in their memory. The birth of a child and the launch of the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation serve as powerful reminders of their love and legacy.