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.
On August 29, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles, a sudden and tragic event that has left a deep scar on the team. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," Waddell said.
Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, a place where they seek solace and strength from each other. "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.
A Time for Reflection
Before Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, a moment of silence was held, a somber reminder of the loss that the team is grappling with. The impact of such tragedies is not unfamiliar to Waddell. In 2003, he experienced the devastating loss of forward Dany Heatley, who struck a wall with his car, killing teammate Dan Snyder. More recently, in 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died in a tragic fireworks accident on July Fourth.
These harrowing events have cast a long shadow over the organization, yet they have also brought an outpouring of support. The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide much-needed assistance, including grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There might even be changes to the league's salary cap rules to offer the Blue Jackets some relief, demonstrating the league's commitment to supporting its teams during tough times.
New Beginnings Amidst Loss
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. With two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward, one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth, the team is navigating the challenges of rebuilding while honoring their lost teammate. Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason, newcomers to Columbus this offseason, are charged with guiding the team through these turbulent times.
Gavin Brindley, deeply affected by the loss, shared his sentiments: "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."
The Blue Jackets' readiness for the new season is intertwined with their collective grief. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell emphasized. "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family."
The Path Forward
While the team is determined to move forward, the emotional weight is palpable. "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable," 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."
Despite the daunting task ahead, Waddell expressed confidence in his players' readiness. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going." The Blue Jackets understand that they "have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," he added.
As the new season approaches, the Blue Jackets are preparing to embark on a challenging journey. The blend of grief and determination is setting a tone of resilience and resolve within the team. They enter this season not solely as athletes but as family, united in their purpose to honor the memory of their lost teammates while striving to achieve their goals on the ice.