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.
A Team in Mourning
On August 29, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. The loss has left a profound impact on the Columbus Blue Jackets and the hockey community at large. A moment of silence was poignantly held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and the Sabres.
"We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell expressed, his voice tinged with sorrow. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
Unimaginable Grief
For Waddell, this tragedy is a painful reminder of past losses. In 2003, he experienced a similar ordeal when forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, striking a wall and killing his teammate Dan Snyder. More recently, in 2021, another Blue Jackets player, goalie Matiss Kivlenieks, died during a July Fourth fireworks accident.
This latest tragedy has left the Blue Jackets grappling with an emotional burden as they prepare for the new season. "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 said. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that."
Support and Solidarity
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide support to the Blue Jackets, which includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There might also be alterations to the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief.
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were tragically killed. Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, and the team is trying to find its focus amidst the grief. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," Waddell noted.
Moving Forward
Despite the heavy emotional toll, the Blue Jackets are preparing to embark on a new season with two openings on their roster at forward, one of which is due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth. This season will also see Waddell and coach Dean Evason as newcomers to Columbus, adding another layer of complexity to their preparations.
The loss has profoundly impacted players like Gavin Brindley. "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 bond he shared with Johnny Gaudreau.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summarized the current state of 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," Bettman acknowledged. "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
A New Chapter
As the Blue Jackets lace up for the season ahead, they do so with heavy hearts but a united resolve. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell stated, capturing the spirit that will drive the team forward even in the face of adversity. Amid the depths of their sorrow, the camaraderie and support within the hockey community offer a beacon of hope, as players and staff come together to honor Johnny Gaudreau's memory and forge ahead in pursuit of their collective goals.