The familiar sounds of clacking sticks and pucks hitting the boards and glass weren't enough to wash away the lingering grief for Don Waddell on Saturday. The Blue Jackets' general manager candidly shared his emotions about the toll 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 their bicycles, an incident that deeply affected the Blue Jackets community. Most players have since returned to their facility, but the somber mood persists.
A poignant moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres. Reflecting on the incident, Waddell noted, "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family." The tragedy has cast a long shadow over the team's preparations for the upcoming season.
A History of Loss
This isn't the first time Waddell has faced such a loss. In 2003, forward Dany Heatley's car accident resulted in the death of teammate Dan Snyder. More recently, in 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died in a tragic fireworks accident on the Fourth of July. Adding to an already emotional period, Waddell and coach Dean Evason are newcomers to Columbus this offseason, tasked with guiding the team forward amidst the grief.
Support from the NHL
The NHL and the NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide the Blue Jackets with much-needed support. This includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and assistance with hockey-related issues. The league is even considering altering the salary cap rules to provide Columbus with some relief.
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, precisely three weeks after the tragic incident involving the Gaudreaus. The team will have to fill two openings on their roster at forward, with one spot specifically due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth.
Resilience Amidst Grief
Despite these challenges, Waddell remains focused on moving forward. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," he remarked. His determination is echoed by the team, who understand that Johnny would want them to continue playing. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell added.
The players' physical readiness is also promising. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," Waddell stated. This readiness to compete is crucial as they prepare to embark on a new season, driven by a sense of purpose. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," he affirmed.
Emotional Impact
Young forward Gavin Brindley has been particularly affected by the loss, recalling the bonds formed during the world championships. "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 shared.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summarized the state of the organization succinctly. "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." He continued, "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
As the Blue Jackets prepare to transition from a summer shadowed by tragedy to the rigor and routine of the NHL season, they carry with them the memory of those lost and the resolve to persevere. Supported by the league and each other, they lace up their skates with a heavier heart but a unified goal. Their journey this season will be about more than just winning games; it will be a testament to the resilience and solidarity in the face of profound loss.