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. This tragedy has cast a somber shadow over a team already familiar with loss. 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 died in a July Fourth fireworks accident.
As the Blue Jackets attempt to move forward, most players have returned to their facility, yet the emotional scars remain. A moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, a somber reminder of the Gaudreaus.
Team Resilience
"We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell stated. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
Waddell underscored the importance of team cohesion during these difficult times. "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 said. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that."
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide support. This includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There might even be an alteration of the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus with some relief, highlighting the league's commitment to helping the team navigate through this period.
Rallying the Troops
With training camp set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were struck, the Blue Jackets are preparing under challenging circumstances. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," Waddell noted. The team faces practical challenges as well, including filling two openings on the roster at forward due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth.
Both Waddell and coach Dean Evason are newcomers to Columbus this offseason, adding another layer of complexity as they work to build rapport with their team under extraordinary circumstances. The tragedy has deeply affected many within the organization, including young players. "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," said Gavin Brindley, reflecting on the impact.
A Season of Healing
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman 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," he said. "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
In the face of these challenges, the Blue Jackets are holding firm to the unity that defines sports teams. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell said, encapsulating the spirit and determination of the team as they prepare to embark on a new season.