"Much credit to Meredith": GM Don Waddell makes his feelings known about Blue Jackets' unity after Matthews & Johnny Gaudreau tragedy

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Jan 22, 2025 18:44 GMT

Follow Us

Share

0 Discuss

On the "First Up" podcast, Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell spoke about the team’s unity after forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthews' death during an accident in August. He praised Johnny’s wife, Meredith, for her support during this tough time. At Johnny’s funeral, she told the team to keep playing hockey, saying Johnny would want them to do so.

Waddell shared that Meredith repeated this message on opening night, deeply affecting the players.

"You know, I give so much credit to Meredith." Waddell said, "She's such a strong Johnny's wife. She says at the funeral, you know, Johnny would want you guys to play hockey. I want you to play hockey. You go play hockey. And she said the same thing opening night in our building. And you know that that resonated with everybody."

Waddell said the leaders held meetings to decide how to move forward. The players understood that playing hockey was a way to honor Johnny’s wishes.

" And you know, we have, obviously, lots of meetings within the room, with the leaders, with the team itself," Waddell added. "You don't think about Johnny, but players realize too, that, you know, that's what he would want. That's what narrative wants.

"And so, you know, the guys, I get so much credit for our leadership team because how they've kept this group together. You know, you keep waiting for something, you know, to fall off the rails because of everything that's happened, and to date, the guys have done a great job with it."

The team raised a banner in Nationwide Arena to honor Johnny Gaudreau, and Meredith has attended several games to support the team. The Blue Jackets have played well and have a 22-18-7 record this season. At one point they were 12-15-5 prior to their recent surge. Now, they are fourth in the Metropolitan Division with 51 points. The team recently had a six-game win streak.

Johnny Gaudreau's wife Meredith spent her birthday with her kids

Meredith celebrated her birthday at home with her two kids, Noa and Johnny. Her best friend, Lily Morris, shared photos from the small celebration. In one photo, Meredith sat with her kids, looking at the birthday cake with a cracker candle.

Lily wrote:

"Happy birthday Dith!!" in the caption.

Meredith shared on her IG story (IG @meredithgaudreau_)

Another picture showed Meredith napping with baby Johnny. Lily also shared a collage of moments with Meredith and Johnny Gaudreau, calling her the "best mommy ever."