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. This tragic incident has cast a long shadow over the team as they prepare for the upcoming season. Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, but the air is undoubtedly heavy with sorrow.
In remembrance of the Gaudreau brothers, a moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres. It was a somber moment, a collective pause to honor the memory of Johnny Gaudreau and the enduring impact his spirit has left on the team.
Waddell's Reflections
For Don Waddell, this isn't the first time tragedy has struck close to home. In 2003, Waddell experienced another heart-wrenching loss 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.
"We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," stated Waddell. His words reflect both a determination to move forward and an acknowledgment of the pain that will persist.
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide support to the Blue Jackets, offering grief counseling, additional security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There might even be adjustments to the league's salary cap rules to offer Columbus some relief, showcasing the solidarity within the hockey community.
An Emotional Training Camp
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. This singular fact underscores the challenges the team faces as they try to focus on the season ahead.
There are two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward, one of which is due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth. As the new season looms, Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason, who are newcomers to Columbus this offseason, have the formidable task of guiding a team that is still grieving, while also preparing them to compete at the highest level.
"Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell said, signaling a unifying force guiding the team forward. His empathy is evident when he says, "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."
Player Impact
Gavin Brindley, deeply affected by the loss, expressed his heartfelt emotions. "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." His words encapsulate the profound personal connections and the depths of the loss felt by teammates.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also summarized the current state of the organization poignantly. "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 said. "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
Looking Forward
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, the residual grief lingers heavily. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," Waddell remarked, attempting to strike a balance between the sorrow of loss and the hopefulness of the new season. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it."
The upcoming season will undoubtedly serve as a testament to the resilience and solidarity of the Blue Jackets organization, their collective mourning transforming into a collective resolve to honor their fallen teammate and his family.