On Saturday, the Columbus Blue Jackets found themselves amidst the emotional whirlwind of grief and preparation. The familiar sounds of clacking sticks and pucks reverberating off the boards and glass could not wash away the lingering residuals of sorrow that have engulfed the team in recent weeks. General Manager Don Waddell spoke candidly about the profound impact recent tragedies have had on himself and the entire organization.
On August 29, a heart-breaking incident struck the team when Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were hit by a suspected drunken driver while they were cycling. This tragic event has left a deep wound in the hearts of the Blue Jackets family. Waddell, reflecting on the gravity of the situation, emphasized, "We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family."
A Team in Mourning
Most of the Blue Jackets players have now made their way back to the team’s facility. A poignant moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game against the Buffalo Sabres, hallmarking the collective grief shared by players, staff, and fans alike. As Waddell noted, "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
The shadow of past tragedies still looms large over Waddell, who in 2003 was deeply affected by the loss of forward Dany Heatley's teammate Dan Snyder in a car accident. More recently, in 2021, the Blue Jackets community was hit hard by the death of goalie Matiss Kivlenieks in a July Fourth fireworks mishap. Each tragedy has left indelible marks on the team's fabric, shaping its resilience and unity. "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 remarked.
Support and Adjustments
Amidst this sorrow, the NHL and the NHL Players' Association have stepped forward to offer their support. The assistance provided includes grief counseling, enhanced security at memorials, and addressing numerous hockey-related concerns. Commissioner Gary Bettman echoed the sentiment, saying, "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
Further measures might involve adjustments to the league's salary cap rules to give Columbus some relief. As the team braces to open their training camp on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreau tragedy, they are also facing practical challenges, such as filling two openings on the roster at forward — one caused by a wrist injury to Justin Danforth.
New to the Columbus fold this offseason, Waddell and coach Dean Evason will be guiding the team through this turbulent period. The emphasis, for now, is clear: to support one another and focus on what brings them together — hockey. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell stated.
Finding Purpose in Adversity
Among the players, Gavin Brindley has been hit particularly hard 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, reflecting on the personal connection and mentorship he received from Gaudreau.
Despite the emotional heaviness, the players are showing commendable resolve. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," Waddell noted, hinting at the team's readiness to channel their grief into performance on the ice. The Blue Jackets are determined to honor their fallen comrade by giving their best. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," Waddell concluded.
As the Blue Jackets prepare to embark on the new season, Commissioner 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."
In a sport that thrives on camaraderie and collective effort, the Blue Jackets are once again reminded of the deeper bonds that hockey creates. Through moments of silence, shared memories, and the drive to play for something greater, the team is finding its way forward, leaning on each other and the strong support system provided by the NHL community.