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. This tragic event cast a long shadow over the Columbus Blue Jackets as they entered the new season. Most Blue Jackets players have since returned to their facility, trying to find solace in their shared camaraderie and the game they love.
A solemn moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, underscoring the profound sense of loss pervading the team. This isn't the first time Don Waddell has faced such heartbreak. In 2003, he experienced a similar tragedy when 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 in a July Fourth fireworks accident, further testing the resilience of the team and its leadership.
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide much-needed support to the Blue Jackets during this difficult time. This support includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related logistical issues. There is also talk of altering the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief, allowing the team to focus more on healing and rebuilding.
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. The emotional journey for the team has just begun, but preparations for the new season continue. There are two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward, one of which is due to a wrist injury that has sidelined Justin Danforth.
Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason are newcomers to Columbus this offseason, adding another layer of complexity to the team’s current situation. Despite being new to the organization, Waddell has quickly become a pillar of strength. "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," he said. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
For many, hockey is a way to cope and find a sense of normalcy amid chaos. "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. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that."
The players, too, are finding their way through the grief. "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," said Gavin Brindley, reflecting on his close bond with Johnny Gaudreau.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman provided a sobering summary of the current 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." He added, "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
As they prepare to embark on a new season, the Columbus Blue Jackets are facing unprecedented emotional challenges. But in the face of tragedy, they are finding strength and purpose. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," Waddell shared. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that."
Ultimately, the Blue Jackets will take the ice with a heavy but united heart. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell concluded. The season ahead will undoubtedly be a testament to their resilience and the healing power of sport.