COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Columbus Blue Jackets kicked off their training camp on Wednesday with heavy hearts following the tragic loss of star player Johnny Gaudreau just three weeks ago.
After finishing as one of the worst teams in the NHL last season, the Blue Jackets are now faced with the challenge of moving forward with a new general manager and coach while dealing with the immense void left by the untimely death of the 31-year-old Gaudreau.
Sean Monahan, who joined Columbus on July 1 to reunite with Gaudreau, expressed the weight the team is carrying at the moment. The two were not only teammates but best friends during their eight seasons together in Calgary.
“I’ll miss him the rest of my life,” said Monahan, who now occupies the locker next to Gaudreau’s empty stall.
Captain Boone Jenner described coping with Gaudreau’s death as the “new reality” for the Blue Jackets.
Gaudreau and his brother Matthew tragically lost their lives on Aug. 29 after being struck by an alleged impaired driver while biking near their hometown in Oldsman Township, New Jersey.
This isn’t the first time the team has had to navigate a training camp after the loss of a player. Goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks tragically passed away in July 2021 due to chest trauma from a fireworks incident.
The Blue Jackets will hit the ice on Thursday under the leadership of new coach, Dean Evason, and new general manager Don Waddell.
Despite the challenges, defenseman Zach Werenski expressed the team’s eagerness to get back to work.
Waddell emphasized the importance of providing counseling and support for players struggling to come to terms with Gaudreau’s passing.
On the ice, the Blue Jackets are seeking stability after a series of setbacks and disappointing seasons, even with Gaudreau’s strong performances.
As they gear up for their first preseason game in Buffalo on Sept. 23, followed by the regular-season opener against Minnesota on Oct. 10, the team is focused on regaining their momentum under Evason’s guidance.
“Everybody’s juices are going,” Evason said. “And we’re excited about getting on the ice and actually implementing what we want to do as a coaching staff, to start the process of establishing our structure, our work ethic.”
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