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 recent events have taken on him and the entire team, as they navigated the aftermath of a tragic incident involving Johnny Gaudreau.
On August 29, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles, a tragedy that sent ripples through the entire Blue Jackets organization. The impact of the incident has been profound, with grief casting a shadow over the team’s preparations for the upcoming season.
Emotional Toll
Saturday brought a moment of eerie silence and contemplation before the prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres. It was a gesture of respect and mourning for the Gaudreaus, reflecting the heavy hearts within the Columbus camp. "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," said Waddell, acknowledging the delicate balance the team must strike between grieving and gearing up for the season.
The Blue Jackets have faced similar heartbreak in the past. In 2003, Don Waddell experienced a 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 during a fireworks accident on the Fourth of July. The recurring theme of loss has taken its toll on the organization, deepening the sense of empathy and camaraderie among the team members.
Support from the NHL
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide support to the Blue Jackets, with initiatives that include grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. The community's need for solidarity and emotional support is paramount, given the circumstances. "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 emphasized, shedding light on the healing power of unity.
There might also be alterations to the league’s salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief, a practical measure aimed at ensuring the team can navigate these challenging times without additional financial strain. The organization's focus has understandably been skewed towards the immediate emotional recovery rather than long-term strategic planning. "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," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.
Looking Forward
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. The tight timeline underscores the resilience required from the players and staff as they attempt to switch gears and prepare for the new season. Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, eager yet somber, ready to embrace the challenge ahead. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," Waddell noted, reflecting a semblance of normalcy returning to the team.
On the roster front, there are two openings at forward, one owing to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth. This situation presents opportunities for other players to step up, adding a competitive edge to an emotionally charged atmosphere. Newcomers to Columbus, such as Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason, bring fresh perspectives but also face the daunting task of integrating into a team dealing with collective grief.
Gavin Brindley, a member of the Blue Jackets, was 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," he shared, highlighting the personal connections that amplify the tragedy's impact within the team.
Despite the sorrow enveloping the team, there remains an undercurrent of determination. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell asserted, aiming to channel the collective grief into motivation on the ice. The sentiment resonates deeply within the organization, as players rally around the common cause of honoring Johnny Gaudreau’s memory through their performance.
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, the echoes of tragedy linger, but so does the resolve to forge ahead. Only time will reveal how they navigate this dual path of mourning and competing, but one thing is clear: the spirit of resilience runs strong in Columbus.