The familiar sounds of clacking sticks and pucks banging off the boards might typically signal the excitement of hockey's return, but for Columbus Blue Jackets' general manager Don Waddell, they are not enough to wash away the lingering grief on the team.
Waddell candidly expressed the emotional toll that recent events have taken on him and the entire organization. On August 29, Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles, leaving a profound impact on the hockey community.
Moment of Silence
The loss reverberated through the team, with most Blue Jackets players having returned to their facility, holding a moment of silence before the opening faceoff of their prospect exhibition game against the Buffalo Sabres. The gravity of the situation was palpable.
“We got to play hockey. We’re not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family,” said Waddell, underscoring the difficult balance the team faces between mourning and preparing for the season. “Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year.”
This is not the first brush with tragedy for Waddell. In 2003, forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, striking a wall and killing teammate Dan Snyder, a painful event that Waddell remembers all too well. Only last year, Blue Jackets' goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died in a July Fourth fireworks accident, further layering the team's recent history with sorrow.
Support and Solidarity
The NHL and NHL Players’ Association have stepped in to provide robust support to the Blue Jackets, offering grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues to ensure the team can focus on healing and playing. There are also discussions around possibly altering the league’s salary cap rules to provide Columbus with some relief.
“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. He emphasized that the team's solidarity and mutual support would be essential as they navigate this difficult period.
Preparing for the Season
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the tragic incident. With two openings on the roster at forward, one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth, there are significant adjustments to be made. The offseason also saw the arrival of Waddell and coach Dean Evason to Columbus, adding a layer of new dynamics to an already challenging situation.
Gavin Brindley, a player deeply affected by the loss, reflected on the pain and the importance of carrying forward in memory of his mentor. “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 said, his words heavy with emotion.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summed up the organization's current state poignantly. “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.”
Moving Forward
Despite the heavy hearts and somber atmosphere, Waddell remains optimistic about the team’s ability to rally and find purpose through the shared tragedy. “Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody’s rallying around that,” he emphasized.
The team’s physical readiness appears intact. “The guys are in really good shape. We’ve done a lot of testing already and they’re eager to get going,” Waddell shared, highlighting the eagerness of the players to begin the new season even under grim circumstances. “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 a blend of resilience and remembrance, holding onto the bonds that will help them move forward. The journey ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the spirit of togetherness and determination will undoubtedly guide them through.