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 the Columbus Blue Jackets' general manager Don Waddell on Saturday. He 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, an incident that sent shockwaves through the Blue Jackets' organization. "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell said, a reflection of the deep sense of loss that permeates the club.
Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, and Waddell emphasized the importance of 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," he noted. Symbols of the collective grief were evident as a moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres.
A Persistent Shadow
Tragedy isn't new to Don Waddell. Back in 2003, he experienced a harrowing moment when forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, striking a wall and killing teammate Dan Snyder. And in 2021, the team faced another blow when Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died during a July Fourth fireworks accident.
These past events linger as haunting memories and serve as a backdrop to the recent tragedy involving the Gaudreaus. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," Waddell stated, attempting to shift attention towards the upcoming season, despite the heavy hearts.
Support and Adjustments
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide critical support to the Blue Jackets during these tough times. This includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. Discussions are even underway about potentially altering the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief. "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," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman remarked, capturing the current state of the team.
Moving Forward
The team is preparing to embark on a new season with training camp set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. As it stands, there are two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward. One of these openings is due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth. These roster changes add another layer of complexity as Waddell and coach Dean Evason, both newcomers to Columbus, navigate the season ahead.
Young forward Gavin Brindley spoke poignantly about his connection to Johnny Gaudreau. "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," he expressed, underlining the depth of personal loss felt by teammates.
A Season with a Purpose
Waddell remains determined, rallying the team to channel their grief into purpose. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," he declared. Training and preparation seem to be providing a therapeutic distraction for the players. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," he added.
"We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell concluded, encapsulating the resolve and resilience that the team is striving to cultivate. As the Blue Jackets gear up for the new season, they do so with an unspoken bond forged through shared grief and hope, eager yet careful not to forget those they have lost.