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, leaving the Columbus Blue Jackets reeling from the tragedy. Most Blue Jackets players have since returned to their facility, but the shadow of loss has been ever-present.
A Moment of Silence
A touching moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, paying tribute to the Gaudreaus. This gesture was a small yet poignant reminder of the deep wound inflicted upon the team.
"We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell expressed. His words encapsulated the bittersweet reality the team faces, striving to balance the necessity to move forward with the weight of their grief.
Past Grief Resurfaced
This is not the first time the Blue Jackets' organization has faced tragedy. Don Waddell painfully recalls 2003 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 in a July Fourth fireworks accident. Such brutal reminders of the fragility of life have only compounded the current sorrow.
"Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," Waddell stated, illustrating the need to carry on despite the heavy hearts.
Support from the NHL and Players' Association
Recognizing the immense emotional strain, the NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide critical support. This assistance ranges from grief counseling to added security at vigils, ensuring the team feels both supported and secure. Additionally, discussions are ongoing about potentially altering the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief as they navigate this challenging period.
Preparations and Openings
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, marking exactly three weeks since the accident that claimed the lives of the Gaudreaus. The Blue Jackets are gearing up with two openings on their roster at forward, one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth. Both Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason are newcomers to Columbus this offseason, tasked with steering the team through these tumultuous times.
"The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," Waddell noted, underscoring the professional commitment of the players despite their emotional burdens.
United in Grief and Purpose
Among the affected players, Gavin Brindley was profoundly impacted 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 shared, offering a glimpse into the personal connections and memories that have been shattered.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman provided a sobering assessment of the organizational state. "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. His observation highlights the pervasive sense of disbelief still gripping the team.
Yet, amidst the sorrow, a collective determination emerges. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell affirmed, echoing a sentiment of resilience. The team finds purpose in honoring Johnny’s memory, rallying around their shared grief to forge a path forward.
As they prepare to embark on a new season, the Blue Jackets are reminded that their journey is about more than just hockey. It's about healing, unity, and finding strength in the face of unimaginable loss.