Hearing the familiar sounds of clacking sticks and pucks banging off the boards and glass wasn’t enough to wash away the lingering grief for Don Waddell on Saturday. The Blue Jackets' general manager was candid about the emotional toll recent events have taken on him and the entire team.
On August 29, a tragic incident occurred when Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. The entire Blue Jackets organization has been grappling with the fallout of this heartbreaking event.
The Weight of Tragedy
"We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell expressed, highlighting the delicate balance between honoring loss and moving forward. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," he added, emphasizing the challenging road ahead.
Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, but the lingering aura of grief is palpable. During Friday night’s prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, a moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff, a somber acknowledgment of the void left by the Gaudreaus' absence.
A History of Pain
For Waddell, this isn't the first time he’s had to navigate the treacherous waters of tragedy within the hockey community. In 2003, he experienced a similar heartbreak 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 Fourth of July fireworks accident.
As the team continues to mourn, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman noted, "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 further added, "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
Support from the NHL
In the aftermath, the NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide significant support to the Blue Jackets. This includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There is even talk of potentially altering the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief, underscoring the league’s commitment to aiding the team through this difficult period.
Preparing for a New Season
Despite the heavy emotional burden, training camp is set to open on Thursday—exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. The Blue Jackets are preparing to embark on a new season, but the shadow of the recent tragedy remains. "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 remarked thoughtfully.
The team faces additional challenges on the ice with two openings on their roster at forward. One of these vacancies is due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth. Nevertheless, 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."
New Leadership in Columbus
This offseason has also seen the arrival of new faces in the organization's leadership, with Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason stepping in to guide the team. As they integrate into the Blue Jackets' family, their focus remains on steering the team through these turbulent times.
Gavin Brindley, one of the players deeply affected by the loss, reflected on his memories with the Gaudreaus, "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 melancholic cloud hanging over the team, there is a sense of resolve. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell said, underlining the shared commitment to honoring the fallen while pressing forward. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it."
The Blue Jackets are gearing up for a season fraught with challenges, but they are bound by a collective purpose. The loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau remains a heavy cross to bear, yet the team is united in their resolve to keep their memory alive on the ice.