Elvis Merzlikins pays tribute to hockey’s lost legend through his newborn son’s name

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Mar 28, 2025, 18:30 IST

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Elvis Merzlikins celebrated the birth of his son Jaxon by honoring the memory of late star Johnny Gaudreau. Jaxon’s middle name, John, pays tribute to Gaudreau. The Merzlikins family continues to keep the legacies of fallen Blue Jackets alive through meaningful names and tributes.

Elvis Merzlikins pays tribute to hockey’s lost legend through his newborn son’s name

Johnny Gaudreau (via: Getty Images)

When Columbus Blue Jackets’ goaltender Elvis Merzlikins welcomed his second son, Jaxon, into the world, he wasn’t just celebrating a new addition to his family, he was keeping a legacy alive. Just like his older brother, Knox, baby Jaxon carries a name that holds deep significance, connecting him to those who left a lasting mark on the Merzlikins family and the hockey community.

Honoring Johnny Gaudreau through a name

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Born prematurely, Jaxon Merzlikins’ middle name, John, is a tribute to Johnny Gaudreau, the former Blue Jackets star tragically killed in a biking accident along with his brother, Matthew, on August 29, 2024. His older brother, Knox, also carries a meaningful name, his middle name, Matiss, honors former Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks, who passed away in a fireworks accident in 2021.

For Merzlikins and his wife, Aleksandra, these names are more than just a way to remember fallen friends, they are a way to keep their spirits alive. “It was important to have him with us,” Merzlikins shared.
Merzlikins’ connection to Gaudreau and Kivlenieks extends beyond names. Throughout this season, he has worn a mask with Gaudreau’s No. 13 on the chin plate, while both Gaudreau’s and Kivlenieks’ numbers—13 and 80—are featured on the back. For the Blue Jackets’ first-ever outdoor game at Ohio Stadium, Merzlikins honored them once again, featuring a design of Gaudreau taking a shot on Kivlenieks on his helmet.
During the 2025 NHL Stadium Series matchup, where Columbus defeated the Detroit Red Wings in front of a record-breaking crowd of 94,751, Merzlikins walked right behind Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith, and mother, Jane, as they led the team onto the ice.

Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins’ family bonds grow stronger

Baby Jaxon’s arrival on March 16 came with a short stay in the NICU, but he’s now home and thriving. Knox, now a proud big brother, wasted no time in welcoming him. “As soon as (Jax) got to the house, Knox ran over to meet his brother and he wanted to see him, touch him, play with him,” Merzlikins shared.
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Even amidst the highs and lows of professional hockey, family remains at the heart of Merzlikins’ journey. Through tributes, traditions, and the love he pours into his growing family, he ensures that the legacies of his late teammates live on, not just in memories, but in the very fabric of his family’s future.

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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