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 recent events have taken on him and the entire team.
On August 29, tragedy struck when Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were hit by a suspected drunken driver while riding their bicycles. The news reverberated throughout the hockey community, leaving an indelible mark on the Blue Jackets organization.
A Community in Mourning
Waddell, reflecting on the incident, stated, "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family." His words underscore the challenging balance of honoring their memory while gearing up for the upcoming season. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," Waddell added.
The Blue Jackets have not been strangers to misfortune over the years. In 2003, Waddell experienced a similar tragedy when forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, resulting in the death of teammate Dan Snyder. More recently, in 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died during a fireworks accident. These events compound the current grief, drawing a haunting parallel to past sorrows.
Support Systems and Resilience
Recognizing the immense emotional strain, the NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide support. This includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There is also a possibility of altering the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief—a move that demonstrates the collective effort to support the team during these trying times.
Despite the overwhelming grief, 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." This sentiment was evident as most Blue Jackets players returned to their facility, preparing for the new season together. A moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, a solemn reminder of the lives lost.
Looking Ahead
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, precisely three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. The team faces not only the emotional challenge but also practical concerns, such as filling two openings on the roster at forward. One of these openings is necessitated by a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth.
Waddell and coach Dean Evason, both newcomers to Columbus this offseason, are tasked with steering the team through turbulent waters. The duo brings fresh perspectives, but the recent events have undeniably colored their initial experiences in Columbus. Waddell, reflecting on the state of the players, noted, "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going."
A Tribute to Johnny Gaudreau
The impact of Johnny Gaudreau’s passing resonates deeply, not just within the team, but also with individuals like Gavin Brindley. "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 shared, capturing the personal loss that extends beyond the professional arena.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summarized the overarching sentiment, saying, "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." His acknowledgment of the collective grief underscores the emotional state of the organization.
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, the memory of Johnny Gaudreau stays at the forefront of their minds. Waddell’s words serve as both a rallying cry and a solemn reminder: "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it."