2025-26
Record: 40-30-12, 92 points, 5th in Metropolitan Division
Playoffs: Missed Stanley Cup Playoffs
Key Losses
F – Mason Marchment (SJ), F – Boone Jenner (WAS), F – Zach Aston-Reese (PHI)
Key Additions
F – Valeri Nichushkin (Trade w/ COL), F – Ryan Lomberg (Signed via FA)
2026-27 Preview
Still Trying to Find Themselves
The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to navigate a difficult period following the tragic passing of Johnny Gaudreau, while also trying to establish a new identity on the ice. Last season, Columbus was in the playoff race for much of the year before fading down the stretch, a disappointing finish that prompted public frustration from head coach Rick Bowness.
Despite the way the season ended, the organization reaffirmed its confidence in Bowness by signing him to a one-year contract extension for the 2026-27 season. His primary objective will be to instill a stronger winning culture and help the Blue Jackets take the next step in their development.
The challenge became even greater during the offseason. Columbus lost its longest-tenured player and captain, Boone Jenner, who signed with the Washington Capitals in free agency. The Blue Jackets also saw Mason Marchment depart for the San Jose Sharks, leaving the club without two important veterans who provided leadership, physicality, and offensive production.
As a result, Columbus enters the new season facing several important questions. The Blue Jackets have a promising young core, but replacing the leadership and experience lost this summer will not be easy. How the team responds to those departures—and whether its younger players are ready to take on larger roles—will go a long way toward determining the franchise’s direction moving forward.
Dissecting the Werenski Ordeal
One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Blue Jackets this offseason centered on star defenseman Zach Werenski and his long-term future with the organization. Reports surfaced around the NHL Draft and the opening of free agency that, with two years remaining on his contract, Werenski was uncertain whether he would sign an extension to remain in Columbus.
Armed with that information, general manager Don Waddell reportedly explored the trade market and reached a tentative deal with the Dallas Stars. However, Werenski exercised his no-move clause and declined the trade, keeping him in Columbus.
Once news of the proposed deal became public, it created significant attention around both Werenski and the Blue Jackets. In response, Waddell and Werenski issued public statements through the organization in an effort to ease concerns and reaffirm their commitment to moving forward together.
For now, Werenski is expected to remain with the Blue Jackets heading into the 2026-27 season. Still, his contract situation is likely to remain a major storyline throughout the year. If the team fails to gain traction in improving on the ice and in the standings, Columbus will eventually have to decide whether to keep its franchise defenseman through the end of his contract or explore the trade market again before risking the possibility of losing him for nothing.
Projected Lineup
Offense
Valeri Nichushkin — Adam Fantilli — Kirill Marchenko
Kent Johnson — Sean Monahan — Connor Garland
Cole Sillinger — Charlie Coyle — Mathieu Olivier
Dmitri Voronkov — Luca Del Bel Belluz — Ryan Lomberg
Defense
Zach Werenski — Damon Severson
Denton Mateychuk — Ivan Provorov
Erik Gudbranson — Dante Fabbro
Goalies
Jet Greaves
Elvis Merzlikins
Scratches/LTIR
Isac Lundestrom (IR)