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. This tragic incident has cast a somber shadow over the team as they reunite for the new season.
A Team in Mourning
Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, trying to find solace in the camaraderie of their teammates. A moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, a poignant tribute to the lost lives.
Don Waddell, who has had to navigate tragedies before—including the loss of Dan Snyder in 2003 when forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car—expressed the difficulty of moving forward. "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."
Support from the Hockey Community
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide vital support to the Blue Jackets. This includes grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There might even be an alteration of the league's salary cap rules to provide Columbus some relief as they navigate this challenging period.
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. As the team assembles, Waddell emphasized the importance of 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."
Preparing for the Season
There are two openings on the Blue Jackets' roster at forward. One opening is due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth. Despite these roster changes, the team is showing resilience. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," noted Waddell.
Both Waddell and coach Dean Evason are newcomers to Columbus this offseason, adding another layer of complexity to the team's situation. Yet, the focus remains on the ice. "We have a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it," insisted Waddell.
A Personal Toll
Gavin Brindley, one of the team’s more emotionally affected players, shared his personal grief. "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." Despite the grief, the consensus among the players is clear: Johnny Gaudreau would want them to focus on hockey.
"Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell reiterated.
Commissioner's Perspective
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman provided a sobering overview of the team's current state. "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 lingering pain of their recent loss remains ever-present. Yet, from this grief emerges a renewed determination. The team is not just playing for the fans or for the organization, but for Johnny Gaudreau and his family. This season, more than any other, will be a testament to their resilience and unity.