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, tragedy struck the Blue Jackets' family when Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. The incident has reverberated throughout the team, casting a long shadow over what would typically be a hopeful and energetic time of year.
A Community in Mourning
Despite the tragedy, most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, attempting to find solace and focus in the routines of training and preparation. A moment of silence held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres served as a somber reminder of the loss.
Don Waddell, who joined the Blue Jackets’ front office this offseason, reflected on the impact of the incident, drawing parallels to his past experiences. In 2003, he experienced a similar tragedy when 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. These compounded tragedies underscore the pervasive nature of grief within the world of professional sports.
Waddell spoke openly about the challenges the team faces, both emotionally and logistically. "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," he said. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
Support from the NHL
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide much-needed support to the Blue Jackets. This assistance comes in the form of grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing various hockey-related issues. There might even be alterations to the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief during this unprecedented time.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summarized the current state of the organization, stating, "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." He added, "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
Preparation Amid Adversity
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. The team is faced with the dual challenge of returning to the ice while still processing their grief. Don Waddell believes the camaraderie and collective focus can play a pivotal role in the team's healing process. "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," he remarked.
Waddell noted that the players are determined to honor Johnny Gaudreau's memory by continuing to play the sport they all love. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," he said. The general manager expressed confidence in his team’s readiness despite the emotional backdrop. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," he shared.
Moving Forward with Purpose
With two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward—one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth—the team is not only grappling with emotional but also competitive challenges. Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason, both newcomers to Columbus this offseason, are tasked with guiding the team through these turbulent times.
Gavin Brindley, among others, has found himself deeply affected by the loss. He reflected on his connection with Gaudreau, stating, "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."
Despite the heartbreak, the Blue Jackets are preparing to embark on a new season, driven by a renewed sense of purpose. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell concluded. As the team rallies together, they aim to honor the fallen by striving forward, embodying the resilience and determination that define the spirit of hockey.