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, a suspected drunken driver struck Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew while they were riding bicycles, leaving the Blue Jackets community in mourning. "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell said. The tragic incident has cast a heavy shadow over the team as they prepare for the new season.
A Community in Mourning
Most Blue Jackets players have already returned to their facility, yet the atmosphere remains somber. A poignant moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and the Sabres, serving as a collective acknowledgment of the grief shared by the team and its community.
"Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," Waddell stated, emphasizing the challenging balance between honoring the memory of the Gaudreaus and moving forward with the sport. The road to emotional recovery is neither straight nor simple. "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," he added.
History of Heartbreak
This is not the first time the Blue Jackets have faced such heart-wrenching adversity. In 2003, Don Waddell experienced another tragedy 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 tragically died during a Fourth of July fireworks accident. The emotional toll of these incidents continues to resonate within the organization.
Supporting the team in this period of grief, the NHL and NHL Players' Association have extended their help to the Blue Jackets, offering services such as grief counseling and added security at vigils. They are also addressing hockey-related issues, potentially including alterations to the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell noted, underscoring the spirit of unity driving the team onwards.
Preparation Amidst Pain
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, precisely three weeks since the Gaudreaus’ tragic accident. There are two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward, one of which is due to a wrist injury that has sidelined Justin Danforth. These vacancies present both challenges and opportunities as the team works to reassemble its line-up.
Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason are newcomers to Columbus this offseason, working to establish their leadership within a team shrouded by recent losses. Young player Gavin Brindley has been particularly affected by the tragedy. "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, poignantly reflecting the emotional burden carried by many of the team's younger members.
The Long Road Ahead
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman commented on the state of the organization, acknowledging that the Blue Jackets, as an institution, are still in a phase of shock. "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. "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable," he continued, capturing the emotional paralysis gripping the team.
Despite the heartache, there are signs of readiness and resilience. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," Waddell reported. This determination is underpinned by a shared purpose. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell affirmed, indicating a hopeful outlook that combines respect for their fallen with a steely resolve to move forward.
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, they carry with them the heavy hearts of a community in mourning. The journey ahead promises to be fraught with emotional challenges, but also the opportunity to honor and remember, to support one another, and above all, to find strength in their shared love of the game.