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. Most Blue Jackets players have since returned to their facility, grappling with the tragic loss. A moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, marking a somber moment for the fans and players alike.
An Emotional Burden
For Waddell, this isn't his first encounter with tragedy. In 2003, forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, striking a wall and killing teammate Dan Snyder. Additionally, in 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died during a July Fourth fireworks accident. The weight of these past incidents only adds to the current collective grief felt by the Blue Jackets organization.
"We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell lamented, capturing the sense of duty mingled with sorrow.
Support and Resilience
In these trying times, both the NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide support to the Blue Jackets. This support includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There might even be alterations to the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus with some relief.
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. With two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward, one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth, the team isn't just grappling with emotional loss but also practical challenges. Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason, newcomers to Columbus this offseason, are tasked with navigating these complexities. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," Waddell reflected.
Healing and Moving Forward
Players like Gavin Brindley have been deeply affected by the 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 confessed, exposing the raw emotion many on the team are feeling.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also shared his sentiments on the situation: "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."
Despite the grief, there is a collective resolve within the team. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell shared, emphasizing the sense of purpose driving the team forward. The players are reportedly in good shape, having already undergone significant testing, and they are eager to move past the sorrow. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell added.
The Blue Jackets are preparing to embark on a new season, albeit with the heavy shadow of loss hanging over their shoulders. As they lace up their skates and don their jerseys, the memory of teammates past and present continues to fuel their determination. The path ahead may be fraught with emotional challenges, but the Blue Jackets are united in their quest to honor Johnny Gaudreau and his family, moving forward one game at a time.