Zach Werenski and his wife Odette recently sent a heartfelt gift to the Gaudreau family in memory of the late Johnny Gaudreau. The gesture, a beautiful white floral arrangement featuring pristine white roses and greenery, was shared by Johnny’s widow Meredith Gaudreau on her Instagram stories.
In her post, Meredith expressed gratitude for the thoughtful gift from the Werenskis, noting that they always find a way to make moments about others. The flowers were sent in celebration of Team USA’s gold medal victory at the Olympics, a moment that held special significance for both families. During the medal ceremony, Zach Werenski, along with teammates Matthew Tkachuk and Auston Matthews, carried Johnny’s No. 13 jersey around the ice in a touching tribute. Dylan Larkin and Werenski also brought Johnny’s children, Noa and Johnny Jr., onto the ice for the team photo.
Meredith also reshared stories from Odette showcasing the support of their Columbus neighborhood for both families. Images showed neighbors decorating the streets to welcome Zach home from the Olympics, a gesture that touched both families deeply.
The bond between the Werenski and Gaudreau families has remained strong since the tragic passing of Johnny and his brother Matthew in 2024. Noa Gaudreau affectionately refers to Zach as “Uncle Z” and even played a special role as the flower girl at Zach and Odette’s wedding in 2025. The families often spend time together, enjoying playdates and family dinners. Meredith and Odette share a close friendship, with Meredith even joining Odette for wedding dress shopping and hosting a bachelorette party for her.
At the Olympics, the Gaudreau family was present to support Team USA, including Meredith, Johnny’s parents Guy and Jane, and the children. The gold medal victory was especially poignant as it coincided with Johnny Jr.’s second birthday. Throughout the tournament, Team USA honored Johnny by hanging his No. 13 jersey in the locker room, a tradition that had been carried out in previous competitions as well.
The outpouring of love and support from both families and their community is a testament to the enduring bond between them. Despite the challenges they have faced, the Werenskis and Gaudreaus continue to uplift and stand by each other, sharing in both moments of joy and moments of remembrance.
