Blue Jackets GM Waddell Focuses on Hockey Amid Gaudreau’s Grief

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The sounds of hockey echoed in the rink this past Saturday, but for Don Waddell, the general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets, the atmosphere was bittersweet. While he and others watched the Blue Jackets’ prospects participate in the Sabres Prospects Challenge, the shadow of grief loomed large following the tragic deaths of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew.

On August 29, the brothers were killed when a suspected intoxicated driver struck them while they were biking. Waddell noted that the process of healing from such a loss will be lengthy and potentially difficult, stating that it might take weeks, months, or even linger throughout the entire season.

Despite this, Waddell sees attending the event as a pivotal step in redirecting focus toward hockey and the future. He emphasized the importance of remembering Johnny Gaudreau and his family as the team moves forward.

“We got to play hockey,” Waddell remarked. “We’re not going to forget about Johnny and his family.”

At the funeral for the Gaudreau brothers, Johnny’s wife, Meredith, delivered a powerful message encouraging those mourning to continue living and focusing on the future, particularly in raising their children. Waddell echoed her sentiment, stating, “Everybody knows that Johnny wants them to play hockey, and everybody’s rallying around that.”

The Blue Jackets returned to practice last week, as players gathered at their facility to support one another, a move encouraged by both Waddell and team captain Boone Jenner. The team will formally kick off training camp on Thursday, marking three weeks since the tragedy.

“It’s tragic and senseless, but now we have to focus on preparing our team for the upcoming season,” Waddell said. “We all mourn and heal in our own ways, but being together will be crucial for moving forward.”

This isn’t the first time that Waddell or the Blue Jackets have faced adversity. Waddell was at the helm of the Atlanta Flames in 2003 when a car accident claimed the life of teammate Dan Snyder, who was with fellow player Dany Heatley at the time. Similarly, in 2021, Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks lost his life in a tragic fireworks accident.

With a heavy heart, Waddell acknowledged the need for leadership as both he and coach Dean Evason, who are new to Columbus this season, guide the team through what promises to be an emotionally challenging year. “I expect there will be tough days,” Waddell admitted.

The tracks of grief continued to resonate on the ice, notably on Friday evening in Buffalo, where a moment of silence was observed in honor of the Gaudreau brothers just before the start of the game between the Blue Jackets and the Sabres.

Columbus prospect Gavin Brindley shared personal memories of Johnny, noting how significant his mentorship was during their time together. “He was one of the biggest mentors for me at the world championships,” Brindley reflected. “It’s just so hard to look back and see that kind of stuff.”

In an effort to support the Blue Jackets during this trying time, both the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association are stepping in to provide resources, including grief counseling and security at vigils. They have also discussed potential changes to salary cap regulations that could ease financial burdens on the team following Gaudreau’s departure.

“Right now, I don’t think anyone is focused on what comes next from an organizational or hockey perspective, as we’re all still in shock,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman noted recently. “The emphasis is on grieving, which is entirely understandable.”

Waddell is actively managing discussions with league executives and handling outreach initiatives with the Blue Jackets’ partner, OhioHealth. Simultaneously, he is preparing for training camp, while evaluating his prospects’ performances in Buffalo.

As the team gears up for the season, Waddell acknowledged he is also faced with roster adjustments, including two openings at forward, one stemming from a wrist injury to Justin Danforth. The other space is also a direct result of the emotional loss the team is grappling with.

Though the emotional toll is heavy, Waddell found some solace being back in the rink, eagerly anticipating the training camp’s start. “The guys are in really good shape. We’ve done a lot of testing already, and they’re eager to get going,” he added. “We have a reason to play for. And we’ll make the best of it.”

Source: AP News