Hearing the familiar sounds of clacking sticks and pucks banging off the boards and glass on Saturday was not enough to wash away the lingering grief for Don Waddell. 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 tragic incident has cast a dark cloud over the Blue Jackets organization, which has already dealt with significant losses in the past. In 2003, forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, resulting in the death of teammate Dan Snyder. More recently, in 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died during a July Fourth fireworks accident.
A Moment to Reflect
As a sign of respect and remembrance, a moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres. Most Blue Jackets players have since returned to their facility, trying to find solace in their shared grief and camaraderie.
"We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell emphasized. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
Team Unity and Professional Support
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide essential support to the Blue Jackets during this challenging time. This support includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There are even discussions about altering the league's salary cap rules to provide 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," said Waddell. His words reflect a deep understanding that while the pain is individual, the road to recovery must be communal.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman 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 added, "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
Prepping for a New Season
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. These challenges only add to the emotional and logistical hurdles the team faces as they prepare for the season ahead.
Both Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason are newcomers to Columbus this offseason, making their integration into the team even more vital during this time of crisis. Despite the circumstances, Waddell remains optimistic about the players' readiness. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," he said.
A Reason to Play
Gavin Brindley, a player deeply affected by the loss, spoke emotionally about his memories with Johnny Gaudreau. "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."
Despite the grief, there is a rallying cry within the team to move forward in honor of Johnny Gaudreau. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell revealed. The sentiment is one of perseverance and dedication to making the most of the opportunities ahead. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," he added.
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, the sense of loss and remembrance will undoubtedly shape their journey. The support from the NHL community, coupled with the team's resilience, will be critical as they navigate the complexities of grief and the demands of professional sports.