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, a tragic accident struck the heart of the team when Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew were hit by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles.
An Emotional Toll
Most Blue Jackets players have returned to their facility, attempting to find solace in routine and training. However, the sorrow is palpable. A moment of silence was held before the opening faceoff of Friday night's prospect exhibition game between the Blue Jackets and Sabres, paying tribute to the Gaudreaus.
Don Waddell, who joined the organization this offseason, is no stranger to tragedy. In 2003, forward Dany Heatley lost control of his car, striking a wall and killing teammate Dan Snyder, an event that left an indelible mark on Waddell. In 2021, the Blue Jackets faced another heartbreak when goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died during a July Fourth fireworks accident.
"We got to play hockey. We're not going to forget about Johnny and his family, the Gaudreau family," Waddell said, capturing the somber yet resolute mood within the team. "Tragic. Senseless. But now we got to focus on trying to get our team ready to play hockey this year."
Support and Healing
The NHL and NHL Players' Association have stepped in to provide support to the Blue Jackets, including grief counseling, added security at vigils, and addressing hockey-related issues. There is even talk of altering the league's salary cap rules to offer some relief to the team.
Training camp is set to open on Thursday, exactly three weeks since the Gaudreaus were killed. The team is determined to rally and move forward, with their training regimen part of their healing process. "The guys are in really good shape. We've done a lot of testing already and they're eager to get going," Waddell noted.
Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason, also a newcomer this offseason, joins Waddell in steering the team through this challenging period. Addressing the season amidst such adversity, Waddell emphasized, "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."
A Season with Purpose
The Blue Jackets face multiple roster changes as they prepare for the new season. Two openings at forward positions add to the challenges, one of which exists due to a wrist injury sidelining Justin Danforth. Despite these obstacles, the management's and players' resolve remains firm. "Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey. And everybody's rallying around that," Waddell said, conveying the collective spirit within the team.
Gavin Brindley, deeply affected by the tragedy, voiced his own emotional struggle. "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 reflected.
Focus Amidst Chaos
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman summarized the current state of the organization succinctly. "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 stated. "I don't think anybody's focused right now other than on the grieving part, which is understandable."
As the Blue Jackets press forward, their season will be undeniably shaped by recent events. They possess, as Waddell pointed out, "a reason to play for. And we'll make the best of it." The echoes of loss may linger, but as the players lace up their skates and step back onto the ice, they carry with them the memory of their fallen teammates and a unified purpose to honor their legacy through the game they love.