Hearing the familiar sounds of clacking sticks and pucks banging off the boards and glass was not enough to wash away the lingering residuals of grief for Don Waddell on Saturday. The Blue Jackets' general manager was candid about the emotional toll that recent events have taken on him and the entire team.
On August 29, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. This tragic incident has cast a long shadow over the team's preparations for the new season.
Team's Response to Tragedy
Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, and a moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres. For many within the organization, this was not the first time they have had to deal with tragedy. In 2003, Waddell experienced an incident where forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, striking a wall and killing teammate Dan Snyder. More recently, in 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died during a July Fourth fireworks accident.
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide support to the Blue Jackets, including grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There might be an altering of the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief. Despite these efforts, the emotional scars remain visible.
Facing the New Season with Heavy Hearts
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. With two openings on the roster at forward—one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth—the team is gearing up under difficult circumstances. Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason are newcomers to Columbus this offseason, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation.
"We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell said, emphasizing the need to push forward while acknowledging their grief. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
For players like Gavin Brindley, the loss has been deeply personal. "He was one of the biggest mentors for me at the world championships. I couldn't tell you how many times we hung out with Meredith, pictures on my phone. It's just so hard to look back and see that kind of stuff," Brindley said, reflecting on the tragedy.
Support and Solidarity
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summarized the current state of the organization: "The Blue Jackets, I don't think anybody's focused from an organizational standpoint, from a hockey standpoint as to what comes next, because I think everybody's still in shock. I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
As the team navigates this difficult period, the focus remains on coming together and finding strength in unity. "We all mourn and heal differently, but I think as a team being together like that is going to be critical for them to get moving forward," Waddell said, acknowledging the importance of collective resilience.
Preparing to Play
The Blue Jackets understand that moving forward doesn't mean leaving their grief behind but rather playing for something bigger than themselves. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell shared. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going."
With new challenges and emotional burdens, the team is preparing to face the new season with a renewed sense of purpose. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell concluded, hopeful yet tempered by the somber reality they face.
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, the echoes of past and present tragedies will undoubtedly shape their journey. It remains to be seen how they will navigate this landscape, but one thing is clear: their resolve to honor the memory of Johnny Gaudreau and find strength in solidarity will be at the forefront of their collective efforts.