Erik Gudbranson receives 'Sweetest 6am delivery' from Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith on his birthday

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson got a special birthday gift from late teammate Johnny Gaudreau’s wife Meredith. The Blue Jackets alternate captain, who turned 33 on Tuesday, was a close friend of Gaudreau’s. They had played together at the Calgary Flames as well.

Erik’s wife Sarah shared a post on her Instagram story.

“Sweetest 6am delivery for the birthday boy from our fav @meredithgaudreau. Lysm. Come back to us already!!!” the caption read.

The photo in the post shows four cups of iced coffee from different brands like Starbucks and chocolate and pink desserts to the side. Johnny and Erik’s friendship and playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets led to the two families getting close as well.

Credit: IG Story shared by @sarahsweetnam

Another photo features Sarah kissing Erik on the cheek and the couple clicking a selfie to capture the moment. In another moment celebrating the big day for Erik, Sarah expresses how grateful she is. The photo caption reads:

Credit: IG Story shared by @sarahsweetnam

“Hbd to my forever best friend. Forever grateful to you,” she wrote.

Sarah met Erik when she was in dental school. The couple got engaged in 2018 and were married in Jul. 2019 in Ontario, Canada. The couple have two kids, Benny and Zoey, born in 2021 and 2022.

Erik Gudbranson penned heartfelt message honoring Johnny Gaudreau

Erik penned a heartfelt memorial message in tribute to Johnny and his brother Matthew after they were killed in a road accident on Aug. 29. He also took part in the candlelight vigil organized by the Blue Jackets.

On Aug. 31, Erik posted on Instagram:

“I’m heartbroken. This hurts so much to post. Going to miss all of it. 3am hotel room chats, picking you up for every game day, will never forget how frustratingly stubborn you are, sharing the best hugs and most of all your smile that would light up every room.

"I miss you. I miss Matty and my heart breaks for Mere, the kids and your family. I hope you and Matty have found a comfy spot up there and are having a couple giggles with a huge plate of pasta. I love you buddy.”

Johnny’s wife Meredith has on multiple occasions expressed how grateful she is for the support and kindness from the Gudbransons.

On one occasion, she posted an emotional message after seeing Erik’s kids dressed in custom-made sweaters honoring her late husband. She posted the image on her story and expressed love for the “little guys.”