Hearing the familiar sounds of clacking sticks and pucks banging off the boards and glass could not 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. The tragedy has cast a long shadow over the team as they prepare for the upcoming season. Waddell, who joined Columbus this offseason alongside coach Dean Evason, finds himself navigating a difficult path, with the pain of loss palpable within the organization.
A Team United in Grief and Purpose
Most Blue Jackets players have returned to the facility, a tangible step towards finding some semblance of normalcy. A poignant moment of silence before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres encapsulated the collective mourning.
“We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family,” Waddell expressed, highlighting the delicate balance of honoring the lost and preparing for a new season. “Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year.”
Support from the Hockey Community
In times of crisis, the NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide invaluable support to the Blue Jackets. This includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There may even be alterations to the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief.
“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,” Waddell noted, emphasizing the therapeutic power of camaraderie and unity. “Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that.”
Tragedies Resonate in Columbus
The loss of Johnny Gaudreau isn't the first tragedy to touch Don Waddell closely. In 2003, he experienced the harrowing incident where forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, striking a wall and killing teammate Dan Snyder. More recently, in 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died during a July Fourth fireworks accident.
This shared history of loss resonates deeply within the organization, magnifying the current grief. Waddell's past experiences are likely influencing his empathetic and steadfast leadership.
Preparation Amid Pain
The Blue Jackets are not dwelling on their sorrow alone. As training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed, the team is working diligently to prepare for the future. With two openings on the roster at forward—one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth—every player must step up.
“The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already, and they're eager to get going,” Waddell shared, conveying a sense of readiness amid the lingering sadness. “We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it.”
Voices from Within
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 reflected, putting into words the emotional weight carried by many on the team.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summarized the current state of the organization, acknowledging the shock still reverberating through Columbus. “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.
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, the memory of Johnny Gaudreau and the adversity faced serves as both a source of pain and motivation. “I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable,” Bettman added.
With hearts heavy but spirits united, the Blue Jackets move forward, honoring the memory of those lost while striving to bring honor to the ice. The road ahead is lined with challenges, but the support within and beyond the organization fortifies their resolve to face whatever comes next.