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. This tragedy has cast a long shadow over the Blue Jackets organization, leaving both players and staff grappling with the sudden loss.
Emotional Toll on the Team
Most Blue Jackets players have now returned to their facility, and a moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres. During this time, the depth of the team's collective sorrow was palpable.
"We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell stated, highlighting the balance the team must strike between mourning and preparing for the upcoming season.
This is not Waddell's first encounter with tragedy. In 2003, he experienced the loss of forward Dany Heatley, who lost control of his car, striking a wall and killing teammate Dan Snyder. Again in 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died during a July Fourth fireworks accident. These past events only underscore the emotional burden he carries into this new chapter with the Blue Jackets.
Support and Recovery
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide crucial support to the Blue Jackets during this difficult time. This includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There is even discussion about altering the league's salary cap rules to provide some relief to the team.
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, with one spot due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth. Waddell and coach Dean Evason are newcomers to Columbus this offseason, and the tragic events have undoubtedly made their transition more challenging.
Rallying Together
"Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," Waddell emphasized. This sentiment echoes throughout the organization as they attempt to move forward.
For Gavin Brindley, the loss is deeply personal. "He was one of the biggest mentors for me at the world championships," Brindley shared. "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 bonds formed off the ice are just as impactful as those created in the rink, and this loss has cut deeply into the team's fabric.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summarized the current state of the organization. "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."
"I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable," Bettman added. His words underscore the emotional paralysis that the organization is currently experiencing.
A Reason to Play
Despite the overwhelming grief, there is a glimmer of resolve within the team. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell pointed out, hinting at the motivational boost that comes from honoring a lost teammate.
As the team looks to the future, preparation for the new season offers a sense of normalcy and purpose. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," Waddell remarked, exuding a blend of optimism and determination.
In the context of such a profound loss, the Blue Jackets find themselves bonded by a shared goal. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," declared Waddell. The team will not merely play in memory of Johnny Gaudreau but will strive to channel their grief into a collective strength as they embark on the new season.
The Blue Jackets may have begun this chapter in sorrow, but their resolve to honor their fallen teammate underscores their resilience. As they prepare to take to the ice, they do so with heavy hearts but a united spirit, driven by the love and memory of Johnny Gaudreau.