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 spoke candidly about the emotional toll 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 incident has left an indelible mark on the Blue Jackets organization. Most of the team's players have since returned to their facility, but the shadows of sorrow and loss still loom large.
A Heavy Heart in Columbus
Before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game against the Sabres, a moment of silence was held in honor of the Gaudreaus. For Waddell, this devastating event brought back memories of past tragedies. In 2003, Waddell experienced the loss of Dany Heatley after forward Dan Snyder was killed in a car accident. More recently, in 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died in a fireworks accident on July Fourth.
Waddell succinctly captured the emotional landscape: "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family." His words reflect the complex dynamic of moving forward while still grappling with loss.
League Support and Counseling
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to lend their assistance during these challenging times. Support measures include grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing specific hockey-related issues, such as potentially altering the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus with some relief.
"Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," Waddell stated, emphasizing the importance of preparing for the upcoming season while managing grief.
Preparing for a New Season
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks after the accident. There are two forward positions open on the Blue Jackets' roster, one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth. The new season presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the team to rally and find strength in unity.
New Faces, Same Mission
Both Waddell and coach Dean Evason are newcomers to Columbus this offseason. Despite their recent arrival, they have swiftly become integral parts of the team's support system. Gavin Brindley, notably affected by the loss, voiced his gratitude for mentorship during the world championships. "He was one of the biggest mentors for me… It's just so hard to look back and see that kind of stuff," Brindley shared, reflecting on the emotional bonds within the team.
Commissioner's Perspective
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summarized the state of the organization, noting the pervasive sense of shock. "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 observed, highlighting the difficulty in concentrating on future plans amid ongoing grief.
Waddell remains hopeful yet grounded, acknowledging the importance of coming together as a team: "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." The sentiment is echoed in his belief that the team has a deeper purpose this season. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that."
Despite the heavy hearts, there's an undercurrent of resilience and determination among the Blue Jackets. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell concluded. In this period of mourning, the team finds solace and motivation in the camaraderie and shared resolve to honor their fallen teammate.
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, the memory of Johnny Gaudreau and his family will undoubtedly serve as a poignant reminder of the fragile nature of life and the enduring strength of the human spirit.