The NHL world is full of fierce rivalries and on-ice intensity but every now and then, a moment comes along that reminds fans what truly matters. Aleksandra Merzlikins , wife of Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins , shared a touching photo this week of their son Jaxon John Merzlikins with Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau’s newborn son, Carter.
Elvis Merzlikins and Johnny Gaudreau ’s sons appear together in a heart-melting Instagram photo
It was a simple Instagram Story. Dressed in cozy, cream-colored onesies printed with “Daddy 90” and “Daddy 13” representing their fathers’ jersey numbers, Jaxon and Carter posed side by side, looking like they were already gearing up for training camp 2042. Her caption? “Future teammates ❤️” and with that, the internet melted. Aleksandra even joked, “One with definitely better hair @meredithgaudreau_,” showing just how close the two families remain.
The story behind Jaxon’s name adds an emotional layer to this already sweet moment
Beyond the cute factor, there’s a powerful story behind Jaxon’s full name: Jaxon John Merzlikins. That middle name isn’t just traditional, it’s a tribute to Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically passed away in August 2024 following a biking accident that also claimed the life of his brother, Matthew.
Elvis and Johnny were more than teammates, they were brothers in the game. After Johnny’s death, Elvis was open about how deeply it affected him. So when he and Aleksandra welcomed their son in early 2025, naming him after Johnny was their way of honoring that bond forever. This week’s photo isn’t just two babies hanging out. It’s a snapshot of love, legacy, and a friendship that lives on through the next generation.
This isn’t the first time the Merzlikins have paid tribute. The Blue Jackets' official Instagram even spotlighted the bond earlier this year when they welcomed Jaxon to the world. Now, this sweet “future teammates” post shows how the families are continuing to lean on each other and raise their boys in a circle of love that stretches far beyond hockey.
This one photo said everything without needing many words. It spoke of friendship, grief, legacy, and the hope carried forward by two little boys in matching onesies. Whether or not Jaxon and Carter ever wear Blue Jackets jerseys side by side someday, their story has already captured the hearts of fans.
Also read - NHL under fire after Mason Marchment hits referee and receives no suspension
Elvis Merzlikins and Johnny Gaudreau ’s sons appear together in a heart-melting Instagram photo
It was a simple Instagram Story. Dressed in cozy, cream-colored onesies printed with “Daddy 90” and “Daddy 13” representing their fathers’ jersey numbers, Jaxon and Carter posed side by side, looking like they were already gearing up for training camp 2042. Her caption? “Future teammates ❤️” and with that, the internet melted. Aleksandra even joked, “One with definitely better hair @meredithgaudreau_,” showing just how close the two families remain.
Aleksandra Merzlikins shared a photo of her and Elvis Merzlikins’ son with Johnny and Meredith Gaudreau’s son 🥺
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 12, 2025
“Future teammates ❤️”
(via IG/am.merzlikins) pic.twitter.com/PHbMfkT1mC
The story behind Jaxon’s name adds an emotional layer to this already sweet moment
Beyond the cute factor, there’s a powerful story behind Jaxon’s full name: Jaxon John Merzlikins. That middle name isn’t just traditional, it’s a tribute to Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically passed away in August 2024 following a biking accident that also claimed the life of his brother, Matthew.
Elvis Merzlikins’ new mask honoring Johnny Gaudreau #cbj
— Sarah (@sarah____kent) October 1, 2024
📸: @atomicphoto pic.twitter.com/pTQOGokODF
Elvis and Johnny were more than teammates, they were brothers in the game. After Johnny’s death, Elvis was open about how deeply it affected him. So when he and Aleksandra welcomed their son in early 2025, naming him after Johnny was their way of honoring that bond forever. This week’s photo isn’t just two babies hanging out. It’s a snapshot of love, legacy, and a friendship that lives on through the next generation.
This isn’t the first time the Merzlikins have paid tribute. The Blue Jackets' official Instagram even spotlighted the bond earlier this year when they welcomed Jaxon to the world. Now, this sweet “future teammates” post shows how the families are continuing to lean on each other and raise their boys in a circle of love that stretches far beyond hockey.
This one photo said everything without needing many words. It spoke of friendship, grief, legacy, and the hope carried forward by two little boys in matching onesies. Whether or not Jaxon and Carter ever wear Blue Jackets jerseys side by side someday, their story has already captured the hearts of fans.
Also read - NHL under fire after Mason Marchment hits referee and receives no suspension
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