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.
Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility. However, the emotional wounds remain deep, and grief has settled over the team like a heavy fog. A moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, a poignant reminder of the loss that reverberates through the organization.
Shared Tragedies and Ongoing Support
The shadow of past tragedies looms over Waddell as well. 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 in a Fourth of July fireworks accident. These events have undoubtedly shaped Waddell’s perspective and sensitivity to the current situation.
In response to the Gaudreau tragedy, 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 is even talk of altering the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief, highlighting the extent of the league's empathy and support.
A New Season Amid Grief
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were struck. Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason, both newcomers to Columbus this offseason, have the challenging task of guiding the team through this period of mourning while preparing them for a new season. There are two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward, with one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth.
Waddell emphasized the need to focus on the upcoming season despite the heavy hearts. "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."
Rallying Around a Common Cause
For many of the players, the return to the rink brings a sense of unity and purpose. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell remarked. It’s this collective resilience that the team hopes to draw upon as they prepare for the season ahead.
The Blue Jackets roster, eager to channel their grief into performance, appears to be in excellent physical shape. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," said Waddell. The narrative now revolves around making meaning out of tragedy and finding a way to honor Johnny Gaudreau on the ice. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell stated firmly.
Personal Loss and Reflective Moments
Gavin Brindley, one of the young prospects, was deeply affected by the loss. Reflecting on his relationship with Johnny, he said, "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."
As the days inch closer to the start of the season, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summarized the prevailing sentiment within 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." He added, "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
While the immediate future holds uncertainty and emotional turbulence, the Blue Jackets are preparing to embark on a new season. The hope is that their collective strength and the memories of those they have lost will drive them forward.