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. "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell stated solemnly, poignantly encapsulating the team's current emotional state.
On August 29, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. The tragic accident has cast a long shadow over the team's preparations for the forthcoming season. The pain of loss is not unfamiliar to Waddell. In 2003, he experienced a tragedy when forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, striking a wall and killing teammate Dan Snyder. Additionally, in 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died during a July Fourth fireworks accident, adding layers of grief for the organization to navigate.
Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, and an emotional moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres. This display of collective sorrow was a small yet significant gesture, showing the hockey community's support for the Gaudreau family and the impacted team.
As the Blue Jackets march toward a new season, they do so with the support of the NHL and NHL Players' Association, which have stepped in to provide crucial resources. This support includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There's even talk of altering the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief, indicating the league's recognition of the extraordinary circumstances.
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," said Waddell, underlining the difficult balance the team must strike between mourning and moving forward.
Challenges and Adjustments
There are two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward, one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth. Roster adjustments and strategic planning are now even more critical as the team navigates this period of upheaval. Waddell and coach Dean Evason, both newcomers to Columbus this offseason, are tasked with the significant challenge of steering the team through this storm.
Young forward Gavin Brindley 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," Brindley shared, his voice laden with emotion and a sense of personal loss.
A Team in Mourning
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summarized the current state of the organization, acknowledging its collective shock. "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," Bettman said. His words highlight the shared experience of grief that transcends the hockey world.
However, there is also a collective resolve to find a way forward. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," stated Waddell, pointing to the shared belief that moving forward on the ice is what Johnny Gaudreau would have wanted.
Preparing for the Future
As training camp looms, Waddell expressed cautious optimism about the team's preparedness. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," he noted. This readiness is a testament to the resilience of the players, who are determined to honor their fallen teammate by giving their all on the ice.
"We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell affirmed, encapsulating the resilient spirit that defines the Blue Jackets. This season, they will be driven by a profound sense of purpose, seeking to turn their grief into a source of strength and inspiration.
The Blue Jackets are preparing to embark on a new season under the most challenging of circumstances, but the memory of Johnny Gaudreau provides a powerful motivation. As they lace up their skates and step onto the ice, they carry with them the spirit of a teammate whose presence will continue to guide and inspire them every step of the way.