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 general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets has been 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 left the Blue Jackets in shock, grappling with the loss of a beloved teammate and friend. "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell said, his voice tinged with resolve.
Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, and a moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and the Buffalo Sabres. It was a somber acknowledgment of the incident that has deeply affected the team. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," Waddell added.
The weight of grief is not new to Waddell. In 2003, a similar tragedy struck 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. These painful memories resurface as the organization navigates its current sorrow.
NHL and NHLPA Step In
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the NHL and National Hockey League Players' Association have stepped in to provide support to the Blue Jackets. This support includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues, including the potential altering of the league's salary cap rules to offer Columbus some relief.
"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 stated. Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. The team faces not just the usual season preparations but also the added emotional burden of honoring their fallen teammate.
Preparing for a New Season
Despite the loss, the Blue Jackets are looking ahead to the upcoming season, albeit with heavy hearts. There are currently two openings on the team's roster at forward, one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity as the team rebuilds its lineup.
Waddell and coach Dean Evason are newcomers to Columbus this offseason and are navigating the complexities of integrating into a team already in mourning. Gavin Brindley, another team member, has found the loss particularly challenging. "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 admitted.
The Emotional Toll
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summarized the current state of the organization, noting that the Blue Jackets are still in a state of shock. "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.
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, the road ahead is undoubtedly tough. Team spirit and camaraderie will be essential in navigating the emotional landscape. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell emphasized.
The players are channeling their grief into readiness for the new 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, adding a note of optimism amidst the sorrow. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it."
The Blue Jackets might still be in mourning, but their determination to move forward and honor Johnny Gaudreau's memory is palpable. The new season serves as both a challenge and an opportunity for the team, who will undoubtedly play with heavy hearts but also with a united purpose.