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.
A Season Shrouded in Tragedy
On August 29, a senseless tragedy struck the Columbus Blue Jackets when Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were hit by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. This harrowing incident has cast a long shadow over the team's preparations for the upcoming season.
Most Blue Jackets players have made their way back to the facility, but the spirits remain heavy. Before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, a moment of silence was observed, underscoring the deep sorrow felt by the organization.
Don Waddell, who joined the Blue Jackets as GM this offseason, is no stranger to tragedy. In 2003, he experienced the heartbreak of losing forward Dany Heatley, who lost control of his car, resulting in the death of teammate Dan Snyder. More recently, in 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks passed away in a July Fourth fireworks accident.
Response and Support
The NHL and the NHL Players' Association have both stepped in to support the Blue Jackets through this challenging time. The support includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing various hockey-related issues. Additionally, there may be alterations to the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus with some relief.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman encapsulated the current state of the organization, stating, "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 added, "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
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 being vacated due to a wrist injury that has sidelined Justin Danforth. Both Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason are new to Columbus this offseason, adding another layer of complexity to an already turbulent period.
Moving Forward
Despite the heavy hearts, the team strives to move forward and prepare for the new season. "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell shared. His words reflect the delicate balance of honoring the past while looking towards the future. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," he added.
The Blue Jackets are rallying around the memory of Gaudreau, with Waddell emphasizing the importance of unity during this period. "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." The sentiment is underscored by his confidence in the players' physical readiness: "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going."
For the players, the loss is profoundly personal. Gavin Brindley, deeply affected by the tragedy, reflected on his memories: "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."
As the Blue Jackets brace for a new season, they find themselves with a renewed purpose. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell noted. Indeed, the team is determined to turn their sorrow into strength, fueled by the spirit of their fallen teammate.
In the end, the resolve of the Blue Jackets will be tested as they navigate the season with heavy hearts but hopeful spirits, channeling their grief into the game they love. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell concluded, signifying that while the journey ahead is laden with emotional weight, the game will go on, imbued with new meaning and purpose.