Fans place mementos at a memorial prior to the start of a candlelight vigil in remembrance of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau at Nationwide Arena (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
In a recent one-on-one interview with RG, Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell reflected on his team’s resilience through early challenges, including the loss of Johnny Gaudreau and a string of injuries.
Waddell, in his first season with the organization, emphasized how the tragedy and adversity on the ice have brought the team closer together and created opportunities for younger players to step up.
Handling the Gaudreau Tragedy
Waddell couldn’t have been more proud of how the team, fans, and organization came together after the loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, just before the start of the season.
“The support from the fans here has been tremendous,” Waddell said. “Look, we were thrown a curveball, a tragedy, and it’s obviously a very tough situation, but we’re not feeling sorry for ourselves because that’s not the way we operate. We’re here to support the Gaudreau family... We battled through that, and now we’re running into some injuries, but this is how we deal with adversity.”
Waddell highlighted how Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith, has been instrumental in helping the team heal, stating, “She said, ‘Johnny would want you guys to play hockey, and I want you to play hockey!’ That helps the atmosphere in the locker room.”
In the wake of the tragedy, one of Waddell’s biggest offseason acquisitions, Sean Monahan, has quickly emerged as a leader for the team. As one of Gaudreau’s best friends, he’s been instrumental in keeping the team together and guiding the younger players through a difficult time.
“There are not enough words for me to praise this young gentleman,” Waddell said. “He’s a true professional. Not just with all the guys but particularly the younger guys. He’s a real pro, and how he’s handled this so far has been remarkable.”
Waddell gave credit to the leadership in the locker room, praising Monahan, captain Boone Jenner, and veteran defenseman Erik Gudbranson, despite the latter two currently being sidelined with injuries.
Building Team Culture
Waddell believes the challenges the team has faced have helped build a stronger team culture and a sense of unity within the group.
“Everybody talks about culture, and I think culture is an overused word. You can’t just say we’re going to have a good culture. It’s got to be created,” Waddell said. “I’m sure what transpired had a lot to do with the guys' binding, but I could see that change started to happen when [head coach] Dean [Evason] came in. He’s very straightforward, demanding but fair, and the players respect that.”
New head coach Dean Evason, who has already left a significant impression on both the players and Waddell with his upfront, no-nonsense approach, has also been at the heart of this shift.
He also emphasized the importance of leadership from within the locker room, noting that players like Monahan and Jenner have stepped up to fill the void left by the coaching staff when they’re not on the ice.
Opportunity For Young Players & Fantilli’s Potential
With several veterans injured, Waddell is excited to see the younger players take on bigger roles. He highlighted players like Cole Sillinger and Adam Fantilli, who are expected to lead the next generation of Blue Jackets.
“Cole Sillinger is one for sure. He’s still a young player, but this is his fourth year in the league, and he’s got a lot of experience and leadership ability,” Waddell said. “Adam Fantilli is another young guy we know who has a lot of potential, and we’re looking for him to grow his game even more.”
Fantilli is seen as a potential superstar, and Waddell is confident in his future as a leader for the team.
“The upside is unknown, but he’s going to be either a great player or a superstar,” Waddell said. “He’s got an amazing work ethic, and I know he will eventually be our first-line center. The sky is the limit for this young man.”
Waddell’s optimism and belief in the team’s future are evident despite the early-season adversity. With a combination of veteran leadership, a no-nonsense coaching staff, and a crop of young talent ready to step up, the Blue Jackets are navigating these challenges with their eyes firmly set on long-term success.
Zach Werenski’s Importance
During this focus on developing youth Waddell sees defenseman Zach Werenski as a cornerstone of the Blue Jackets’ future and believes this season is crucial for his development.
“He’s already averaging almost 24 minutes a game and scoring some big goals for us. He knows he’s a major part of this team now and going forward,” Waddell said. “He trained unbelievably hard this offseason, and so far, he’s had an excellent start for us.”
Waddell stressed that the organization isn’t focused on the past, but on what players like Werenski do now and in the future.
With 24 years of experience (SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, ESPN Boston, NESN, NHL.com, etc.) covering the Bruins, the NHL, NCAA and junior hockey, and more, Jimmy Murphy’s hockey black book is filled with Hall of Famers, current players, coaches, management, scouts and a wide array of hockey media personalities that have lived in and around this great game. For 22 of his 24 years as a hockey and sports reporter, Murphy covered the Bruins on a daily basis, including their victorious 2011 Stanley Cup run and their runs to the 2013 and 2019 Finals. Murphy is currently a co-host, along with Pierre McGuire, on The Eye Test Podcast.
