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 spoke candidly about the emotional toll recent events have taken on him and the entire team.
The tragedy struck on August 29 when Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were hit by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. The accident has left a profound impact on the organization, and Waddell expressed the team's collective sorrow—an emotional weight that has yet to lift.
Emotional Weight on the Team
"We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell stated, capturing the bittersweet reality facing the team. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
During Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, a moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff, providing a somber reminder of the grief enveloping the team. Most Blue Jackets players have since returned to their facility, preparing for a season marked by loss and the need for solidarity.
Support from the NHL Community
In these challenging times, the NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to offer their support to Columbus. This assistance includes grief counseling and added security at vigils, as well as addressing hockey-related issues. There is also talk of potentially altering the league's salary cap rules to provide the Blue Jackets with some relief during this difficult period.
"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 noted, underscoring the importance of unity as the team navigates its grief.
Reflecting on Past Tragedies
This is not the first time tragedy has struck the Blue Jackets or Waddell personally. In 2003, forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, striking a wall and killing teammate Dan Snyder—a moment that still haunts Waddell. More recently, in 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died during a July Fourth fireworks accident.
These past incidents have compounded the current sorrow. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell emphasized. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already, and they're eager to get going."
Preparing for a New Season
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were hit. There are two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward, one of which is due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth. The vacancies offer a chance for new talent to emerge, but the shadow of the recent tragedy looms large.
Coach Dean Evason, along with Waddell, are newcomers to Columbus this offseason. They bring a fresh perspective, but they too are deeply affected by the loss. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell said, striving to inject a sense of purpose into a season that began with heartbreak.
A Personal Connection
The pain extends beyond the management and into the hearts of the players. Gavin Brindley was notably 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 revealed, highlighting the personal connections and memories that now carry a new weight.
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."
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, the echoes of tragedy remain close. But in those echoes, there is also a rallying cry—a call to come together, to find strength in unity, and to honor those lost by moving forward, ever mindful of the past.