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 tragedy that has cast a shadow over the team as they prepare for the upcoming season. Despite the heavy hearts, most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, albeit with visible signs of mourning. A moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and the Sabres, a somber reminder of the loss.
“We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family,” Waddell said, expressing the delicate balance between mourning and the necessity to move forward. “Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
A History of Tragedy
This is not the first time Waddell has faced such deep sorrow. In 2003, he witnessed the tragedy of forward Dany Heatley losing 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. The cumulative effect of these events has had a profound impact on Waddell and the organization at large.
The emotional support network has mobilized swiftly. The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in, providing grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues to aid the Blue Jackets in this difficult time. Additionally, there might be revisions to the league's salary cap rules to offer the team some much-needed financial relief.
Team and Community Support
With training camp set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed, the team is doing its best to find solace in unity. “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.
The team is also faced with practical challenges on the roster. There are two openings at forward, one of which is due to Justin Danforth's wrist injury. This situation amplifies the loss felt by the team, but the arrival of Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason to Columbus this offseason brings a renewed sense of leadership and resolve.
Gearing Up for the Season
Gavin Brindley, among others, was deeply affected by the recent loss. "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.
Nevertheless, the team is slowly getting back into the rhythm of hockey. “Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that,” noted Waddell. “The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already, and they're eager to get going.”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman succinctly captured the current state of the Blue Jackets. “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.”
While the team grapples with its grief, the overarching sentiment remains one of determination and unity. “I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable,” Bettman added.
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, they do so with the weight of recent events still fresh in their minds. The words of Waddell resonate: “We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it.”