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, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. As the team grapples with this tragedy, most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, trying to find solace in routine and camaraderie.
Before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, a moment of silence was held, honoring the memory and loss felt within the organization. This tragic incident evokes memories of past losses for Waddell, including the 2003 accident where forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, resulting in the death of teammate Dan Snyder. More recently, in 2021, the team mourned the loss of goalie Matiss Kivlenieks in a fireworks accident during a Fourth of July celebration.
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide crucial support to the Blue Jackets, encompassing grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing various hockey-related issues. There is also talk of potentially altering the league's salary cap rules to offer some relief to Columbus, a testament to the league’s recognition of the extraordinary circumstances.
As training camp looms on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed, the Blue Jackets face the challenging task of preparing for a new season while navigating their grief. "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," said Waddell. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
Roster Changes Amid Emotional Turbulence
There are two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward, one caused by a wrist injury that has sidelined Justin Danforth. This adds another layer of complexity to the team’s preparation as newcomers Don Waddell and coach Dean Evason navigate their first off-season in Columbus.
Gavin Brindley, deeply affected by the loss, shared his personal connection to the tragedy. "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."
The emotional impact on the team is palpable. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summarized the current state of the organization, saying, "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 underscored the priority of emotional healing, stating, "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
A Season Anchored in Memory
Despite the grief enveloping the team, there is a visceral determination to honor Johnny Gaudreau’s legacy. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell noted. As the Blue Jackets strive to move forward, the collective sense of purpose is pivotal. "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."
With training camp on the horizon, the Blue Jackets face a season unlike any other. The resolve to play not just for themselves, but for their fallen teammate, promises to be a driving force. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," Waddell observed. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it."
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on a new season, they do so with heavy hearts but a unified spirit. The memories of those lost, combined with the unwavering support from the NHL community, serve as a potent reminder that while the game goes on, it does so anchored deeply in memory and tribute.