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 tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Columbus Blue Jackets’ organization and the broader hockey community. Waddell opened up about the deep sadness that grips the team and its players. "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," he said.
Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, trying to find solace in their routines. A moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, a somber reminder of the loss that continues to weigh heavily on everyone involved.
This isn’t the first time Waddell has faced unimaginable loss. In 2003, 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 past tragedies compound the current anguish, creating a sense of déjà vu for the veteran general manager.
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have swiftly stepped in to provide support to the Blue Jackets, offering grief counseling and added security at vigils, as well as addressing hockey-related issues. There might even be adjustments to the league's salary cap rules to offer Columbus some relief as they navigate these challenging times.
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 due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth and the other resulting from the tragic events of late August. The team is also adjusting to new leadership, with Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason being newcomers to Columbus this offseason.
An Emotional Start to the Season
The players have been rallying behind the memory of Johnny Gaudreau and his family. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell said, underscoring the collective spirit within the team. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it."
Despite the emotional struggles, Waddell has been impressed with the physical condition of his squad. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going." This readiness serves as a testament to the players' resilience and determination to turn their grief into motivation as they embark on a new season.
Personal Struggles and Team Unity
Gavin Brindley, one of the team's younger players, has been deeply affected by the loss. "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," he shared, his voice tinged with sorrow. The companionship and memories shared between teammates have only magnified the sense of loss felt by each individual on the team.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also weighed in on the current state of the Blue Jackets 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," Bettman stated. "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
As the new season approaches, the Blue Jackets face the daunting task of balancing their professional commitments with their personal grief. The echoes of past tragedies and the fresh wounds of recent losses create a complex landscape for the organization. Yet, within this cloud of sadness, the team finds moments of unity and resolve.
"Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," Waddell concluded. The Blue Jackets will enter the new season not just as athletes competing for victory, but as individuals honoring the memories of their fallen friends and loved ones, striving to make the most out of difficult circumstances.