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, underlining the heavy hearts with which the organization moves forward.
A Grieving Community
On August 29, the hockey world was shaken by the tragic deaths of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, who were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles. The loss has left an indelible mark on the Blue Jackets organization and its community. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year," said Waddell, encapsulating the dual challenge of mourning and moving forward.
As a first step toward refocusing on hockey, Waddell attended the Sabres Prospects Challenge, but it was clear that the road to emotional recovery would be long. Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, seeking the solace of camaraderie. At the urging of Waddell and team captain Boone Jenner, they gathered to lean on each other during these harrowing times. "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.
Honoring the Gaudreaus
As a poignant tribute to Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, a moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres. This moving ceremony served as a solemn reminder of the profound loss felt by everyone involved.
Waddell is no stranger to such grief. In 2003, while serving as the general manager of the then-Atlanta Flames, he experienced a similar tragedy when forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, striking a wall and killing teammate Dan Snyder. More recently, in 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died during a July Fourth fireworks accident. These experiences have perhaps steeled Waddell for the difficult task ahead, but they have not made it any easier.
Support and Moving Forward
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide critical support to the Blue Jackets. This includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues like potentially altering the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief. Much of the burden has fallen on Waddell, who has been in continuous discussions with the NHL, the NHLPA, and outreach programs with the Blue Jackets' partner OhioHealth. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell emphasized.
With training camp set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed, the team is striving to find a path forward. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," echoed Waddell. There's an air of determination and resilience among the players, reflecting their willingness to play with purpose. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell asserted, highlighting their commitment to honoring Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's memory.
A Team Resilient
The adjustment to a new normal isn't confined to the locker room. Waddell and coach Dean Evason are newcomers to Columbus this offseason, bringing fresh perspectives but also the weight of guiding the team through this grieving period. The Blue Jackets face a broader challenge, with two openings on their roster at forward — one due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth.
Gavin Brindley, deeply affected by the loss, shares his grief poignantly. "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," he revealed, reflecting the personal relationships that interlace the professional world of hockey.
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." Bettman added, "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, they are driven by a blend of grief, commitment, and resilience. Their journey ahead is more than just about winning games—it's about honoring the memories of those they've lost and finding strength in unity. For Don Waddell and his team, hockey has always been more than just a game. Now, it serves as a medium for healing and remembrance.