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.
August 29 marked a day of tragedy for the Blue Jackets organization when Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. The incident has cast a long shadow over the team, even as most players have returned to their facility in preparation for the upcoming season. A moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and the Sabres, underscoring the profound impact on the team.
A History of Tragic Losses
This is not the first time Waddell has faced heartbreak in the hockey world. Recalling the harrowing event from 2003, he spoke of how forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, striking a wall and killing teammate Dan Snyder. More recently, in 2021, the team mourned the loss of goalie Matiss Kivlenieks, who died during a July Fourth fireworks accident.
"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," remarked NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
Support from the NHL Community
In the wake of the tragedy, the NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide crucial support to the Blue Jackets. This assistance includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. Additionally, there might be alterations to the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief, alleviating one of the many pressures the team faces as they navigate this difficult time.
A Team in Mourning
Players and staff are grappling with their emotions as they attempt to move forward. Gavin Brindley, who was significantly affected by the loss, reflected on his time with Johnny Gaudreau. "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.
For Waddell and coach Dean Evason, who are newcomers to Columbus this offseason, the challenge is not only to prepare the team physically but also to guide them through their grief. "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell affirmed. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
Preparing for a New Season
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. The Blue Jackets are gearing up for a new season, despite the weighty emotional burdens they carry. "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 commented.
There are also practical challenges ahead, with two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward. One of these openings is due to a wrist injury that has sidelined Justin Danforth. Despite these circumstances, Waddell remains optimistic about the team's physical readiness. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," he noted.
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, the words of Waddell resonate deeply: "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that." It’s a sentiment that encapsulates the sense of purpose and resolve driving the team forward. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it."