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. The loss reverberated through the Blue Jackets' organization, casting a shadow over the preseason preparations. Despite the tragedy, most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility. A moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and the Buffalo Sabres, honoring the memory of the Gaudreau brothers.
A History of Heartbreak
This is not the first time Don Waddell has faced such heartbreak. In 2003, Waddell experienced a similar tragedy when forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, striking a wall and killing teammate Dan Snyder. The memories of that fateful night inevitably surfaced, adding to the layers of grief.
More recently, in 2021, the Blue Jackets community was rattled by the sudden death of goalie Matiss Kivlenieks during a July Fourth fireworks accident. These incidents have undoubtedly shaped the resilience and collective spirit of the Blue Jackets organization.
Support Systems Engaged
Recognizing the immense emotional burden, the NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide support to the Blue Jackets. This involves offering grief counseling, enhancing security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues that may arise. There is also a discussion about potentially altering the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief.
Don Waddell encapsulated the team's current state of mind, saying, "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family. Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
The Road Ahead
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. The Blue Jackets face the task of preparing for a new season while grappling with their shared grief. There are two openings on the roster at forward, one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth, adding further complexity to the team's roster decisions.
This season, both Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason are newcomers to Columbus, tasked with steering the team through these turbulent waters. As Waddell mentioned, "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."
In the Wake of Loss
Gavin Brindley, a young Blue Jackets prospect, was notably affected by the loss of Gaudreau. "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, reflecting on the personal connections that make this loss even more poignant.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman poignantly summarized 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. I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
A Rallying Cry
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, they do so with a renewed sense of purpose. Inspired by the memory of Johnny Gaudreau, the team is united in their resolve. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell noted. The team’s readiness is a testament to their collective spirit, as Waddell observed, "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going."
In the face of unspeakable tragedy, the Blue Jackets are determined to channel their grief into a cause greater than the game itself. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell concluded. The new season will be more than just a series of games; it will be a tribute to resilience, unity, and the indomitable human spirit.