"We love you": Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith congratulates Mikael Backlund for completing 1000 NHL games

On Saturday, Meredith Gaudreau, Johnny Gaudreau's wife, celebrated Mikael Backlund's 1000th NHL game with a post on Instagram. She shared an NHL post honoring Backlund's achievement with the Calgary Flames. Her Instagram story said:

"Congratulations on 1000 NHL games to this perfect stunning family! We love you. So proud! @ffridabacklund @mikaelbacklund11."

via Instagram/@meredithgaudreau_

The post clearly showed the close bond within the Flames community and the support they give each other. Teammates also paid tribute to their captain in a special way. As they arrived at the Scotiabank Saddledome for the game against the New Jersey Devils, the players donned jerseys from Backlund's past.

Among these jerseys were those from his junior team, the Kelowna Rockets, as well as the Swedish national team. Backlund embraced the occasion in style, donning a striking red velvet jacket adorned with Flames logos and the words "Mikael Backlund, 1000 NHL games."

This outfit was a tribute to his 17 seasons with the Flames. The celebration also featured a video from the Flames organization, showing representatives from charities that Backlund supports, such as the ALS Society of Alberta.

Before the game, a touching ceremony occurred on the ice. Backlund was joined by his wife, two children, and parents. A tribute video celebrated his career and contributions, creating a warm moment for everyone.

Backlund received the traditional silver stick for playing 1,000 games, plus gifts from his teammates, including a bottle of wine and tickets to the Wimbledon Final in 2025.

Sean Monahan honored Johnny Gaudreau with tribute in NHL season opener

On October 31, 2024, Sean Monahan honored his late teammate Johnny Gaudreau by putting "JG" initials on all his hockey sticks. Gaudreau tragically died in a bike accident in August alongside his brother, Matthew.

Having played many years together for the Calgary Flames, Monahan felt this loss deeply. Fans had hoped to see them reunite on the ice when Monahan joined the Columbus Blue Jackets, but sadly, that was not meant to be.

NHL insider Dave Maetzold shared Monahan's tribute on X and highlighted the importance of these initials in Monahan's career.

"Sean Monahan has Johnny Gaudreau’s initials on all of his sticks. He says he will honor John that way for the rest of his career. #CBJ"

In the Blue Jackets' home opener on October 16, Sean Monahan paid tribute to Johnny Gaudreau by leaving his spot empty during the opening faceoff.

The game began with 13 seconds on the clock to honor Gaudreau's jersey number. Later, when Monahan scored his first home goal, he celebrated by pointing to Gaudreau’s banner, showing a deep connection to his late friend.