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. Addressing the gravity of the situation, Waddell didn’t shy away from expressing his sorrow. "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," he stated.
The tragic incident on August 29, when Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles, left an indelible mark on the team. This shockwave compounded another layer of grief for Waddell, who has a history with such tragedies. In 2003, forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, resulting in the death of teammate Dan Snyder, a moment that still haunts Waddell to this day.
The team has had its share of sorrow in recent years, notably in 2021 when Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died during a July Fourth fireworks accident. This series of unfortunate events has cast a dark cloud over the organization. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," Waddell remarked, underscoring the delicate balance between mourning and moving forward.
Coming Together
Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, and a moment of silence was poignantly observed before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game against the Sabres. This display of unity and respect was a small yet significant step towards healing.
"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 explained, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie during these difficult times.
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide essential support. This includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing various hockey-related issues. There is also the possibility of altering the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus with some relief, a potential necessity as the team grapples with filling two forward positions on their roster. One such opening is due to forward Justin Danforth being sidelined by a wrist injury.
Preparing for the Season Ahead
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. This marks a challenging start to a new era for the Blue Jackets, with Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason being newcomers to Columbus this offseason. Despite the heavy hearts, preparations continue. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," Waddell noted, highlighting the physical readiness of the players.
For many players, the drive to honor Johnny Gaudreau serves as a powerful motivator. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell pointed out. This sentiment is a testament to the resilience and determination within the team.
Gavin Brindley, deeply affected by the loss, reminisced about his time with 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 the personal impact felt by many within the organization.
The Road to Healing
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summarized the current state of the organization succinctly. "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 observed. His words resonated with the pervasive sense of sorrow and uncertainty hovering over the team.
Yet, there is a glimmer of hope and determination as the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell asserted, capturing the resilient spirit that defines this team. The journey ahead, undoubtedly laden with emotional and physical challenges, will test their limits but also offers an opportunity for collective healing and solidarity.