The CBJ Writer

There is no denying the massive hole Johnny Gaudreau's untimely death will leave in our hearts and on the Columbus Blue Jackets team. Johnny could never be replaced, but a successor is needed as the 2024-25 NHL Season approaches. Today, Don Waddell took a step in the right direction to give this team its best chance at a successful season. James Van Riemsdyk, a highly sought-after Forward this 2024 offseason, is now coming to Columbus. The contract is for $900,000 and only this upcoming 2024-25 NHL Season, but if things work out in his favor I'm sure he could be asked to extend his stay longer. Personally, I'd bet money on this happening on his record alone. Of course, things on paper may not translate to the ice, but it's hard to see how Van Riemsdyk won't elevate this team. Van Riemsdyk has appeared in 1,011 games throughout 15 NHL Seasons. In that time he's had 629 points, totaling 311 goals and 318 assists. He spent last season with the Boston Bruins, appear

I've learned something over the roughly two and a half weeks since we lost Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Mathew; I will never be ready to write this blog. I've been avoiding this because my words seem hollow and empty to me; like anything I could say would be redundant and not enough. August 29th, 2024 will forever be burned into my brain alongside July 4th, 2021, the date we lost goaltender, Matiss Kivlenieks, in a firework accident when he used himself to shield others. To say this franchise and its fans have suffered too many tragedies since I started covering the team in May 2020 is an understatement. When we lost 'Kivi' I never imagined doing this again, but I am, and I won't lie to you because I never have; I hate that I have to do this again. My heart is shattered, especially for the Gaudreau family, and I don't think I'll ever find all the pieces. The hockey community will forever be changed by this tragedy. None of us want to accept that this nig