Hearing the familiar sounds of clacking sticks and pucks banging off the boards and glass was not enough to wash away the residual grief for Don Waddell on Saturday. The Blue Jackets' general manager was open about the emotional toll that recent events have taken on him and the entire team.
On August 29, a suspected drunken driver struck Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew while they were riding bicycles. The tragic incident has left an indelible mark on the Blue Jackets organization. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell stated, reflecting on the community's resolve in the face of sorrow.
A Community in Mourning
Most of the Blue Jackets players have now returned to their facility, but the atmosphere remains heavy. A poignant moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, a solemn tribute to the Gaudreaus.
The weight of tragedy is not unfamiliar to Waddell. In 2003, he experienced a similar heartbreak 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 during a July Fourth fireworks accident. These haunting memories have compounded the current sorrow, further challenging the team's resilience.
Support Systems in Place
Recognizing the need for support, the NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to assist the Blue Jackets through their grief. This support includes grief counseling, additional security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There are even considerations to alter the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief.
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed, presenting a poignant marker of time for the team and its supporters. As the season approaches, Waddell and coach Dean Evason, both newcomers to Columbus this offseason, face the challenge of guiding a team still grappling with immense loss.
Roster Adjustments and Preparations
With two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward, one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth, decisions must be made swiftly. Yet, Waddell remains optimistic about the team's physical readiness. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," he noted.
Sticking Together
Gavin Brindley, among others, has 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 shared, emphasizing the personal connections within the team.
As Waddell poignantly stated, "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family." This sentiment echoes throughout the organization, encapsulated by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman's remarks: "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’s words highlight the pervasive grief, yet a collective resolve to move forward is palpable. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell affirmed, a testament to the spirit of camaraderie and determination within the 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," Waddell observed. His words capture the essence of sport as both a unifier and a healer, a way forward for a team burdened by loss but steadfast in their purpose.
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, their journey will be shaped by these recent tragedies, touching every practice, game, and interaction. While the road ahead is fraught with emotional challenges, the organization's resilience and unity will serve as their guiding light. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," Waddell emphasized, encapsulating the duality of grief and determination that defines the Blue Jackets’ path forward.