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. The incident has left an indelible mark on the Blue Jackets organization, shrouding their preparations for the new season in a cloud of sorrow.
A Somber Start to the Season
Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, yet the organization remains engulfed in grief. A moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, a tribute to the Gaudreau family.
This isn't the first time tragedy has struck close to Waddell. In 2003, he experienced a similar heartbreak 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, further deepening the emotional scars within the organization.
Support from the NHL Community
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have extended their support to the Blue Jackets, providing grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing various hockey-related issues. There’s even talk of possibly altering the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief.
"We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell said, trying to reconcile the need to move forward with the weight of recent events. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
Organizational Changes and Opening Roster Spots
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. There are two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward, one of which is due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth.
Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason are newcomers to Columbus this offseason, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation. Amidst the difficulties, players like Gavin Brindley have shown resilience and determination. "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 loss.
A Team United in Grief
Despite the emotional challenges, the Blue Jackets are coming together as a team. "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 explained. His belief is mirrored in the team’s unity and their commitment to each other.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summed up 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."
However, the spirit of Johnny Gaudreau continues to inspire the team. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell noted. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it."
Preparing for the Future
Although the team is still in mourning, their focus is slowly shifting towards the upcoming season. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," Waddell said, emphasizing the players' readiness and determination. With two open roster spots and a fresh perspective brought by new leadership, the Blue Jackets are gearing up to navigate this challenging period and honor their teammates' memories.
"I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable," Bettman commented. This period of unity and grief will be the foundation upon which the Blue Jackets build their new season, aiming to turn tragedy into a catalyst for strength and solidarity.
As they prepare to embark on a new season, the Blue Jackets carry with them the weight of their losses but also the hope of healing and moving forward together.