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. The Columbus Blue Jackets are reeling from a tragedy that struck on August 29, when Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were hit by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles.
As the team grapples with this heartbreaking loss, most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility in a somber yet united front. "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell remarked. His words echoed a sentiment of inevitability, acknowledging the need to march forward despite the weight of sorrow that hangs in the air.
A stark reminder of the fragility of life was present before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and the Sabres, where a moment of silence was held to honor the Gaudreaus. The impact of the accident has pierced deeply into the hearts of the organization, much like similar tragedies in the past. In 2003, Waddell faced another difficult time when forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car and struck a wall, resulting in the death of teammate Dan Snyder. More recently, in 2021, the Blue Jackets endured the loss of goalie Matiss Kivlenieks, who died in a July Fourth fireworks accident.
In the face of such grief, the NHL and the NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide support to the Blue Jackets. This support has included grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There is even talk of altering the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief.
Preparing for a New Season
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed, adding a poignant layer to what is usually a time of cautious optimism and renewed hope for the season ahead. There are two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward, one of which is due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth. This has further compounded the logistical challenges for the team.
Adding to the tumultuous offseason, Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason are newcomers to Columbus. This dynamic has perhaps added another layer of complexity to their efforts in pulling the team together. As Waddell noted, "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year." His remarks underscore the challenging balance of mourning while preparing for professional commitments.
Gavin Brindley, a player who was deeply affected by the loss, shared his own heartfelt reflections. "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." His pain is palpable, capturing the deep personal connections that have been torn apart by this tragedy.
Moving Forward
The rallying cry within the team is clear: "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell commented. The sentiment within the locker room is that of collective strength and resilience. "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," he added.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also weighed in, reflecting on the 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," Bettman said. His words resonate with the confusion and grief still prevalent within the team. "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, Waddell emphasized the team's readiness despite the emotional burden. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going." His optimism is tempered by the reality of their situation, acknowledging the dual reality of grief and the necessity of professional performance. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell concluded, encapsulating the bittersweet motivation driving the team forward.