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, tragedy struck the Blue Jackets community when Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. The loss has cast a dark shadow over the team as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The Toll on the Team
Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, but the mood has been somber. A moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, honoring the memory of the Gaudreaus. This marked just one of the many steps the team has taken to deal with their grief.
Waddell, who joined Columbus this offseason along with coach Dean Evason, reflected on his own past experiences with tragedy in the sports world. In 2003, he lived through the heartbreak when forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, resulting in the death of teammate Dan Snyder. "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell said. He emphasized the need to move forward despite the heavy heart shared by the organization. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
Support Systems in Place
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide essential support to the Blue Jackets. This includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There is even discussion about altering the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief during these trying times.
"Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell noted, highlighting the emotional backbone that the team's late member has become. "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."
Moving Forward with Heavy Hearts
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. With two openings on the roster at forward—one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth—the team faces both emotional and strategic challenges. Yet, Waddell remains hopeful. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going." His optimism stems from the collective resolve and physical readiness of the players.
Young forward Gavin Brindley, deeply affected by the loss, reflected on the mentorship he received from 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." His words paint a poignant picture of the personal connections and the void left behind.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also weighed in, summarizing the state of the organization as it grapples with the aftermath. "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 added, "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
A Season of Resilience
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, they do so with a heavy heart but a united front. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell asserted, rallying his team around the memory of the Gaudreaus. The upcoming season will undoubtedly be a testament to the resilience and strength of an organization united in grief, yet steadfast in its resolve to honor their fallen members by pressing forward on the ice.