The 2025-26 NHL season beckons, and for the Columbus Blue Jackets, it arrives with a palpable blend of anticipation and expectation. Following a previous campaign that was as emotionally taxing as it was surprisingly successful, the team from Ohio finds itself at a pivotal juncture. They are no longer the underdog simply content with participation; the scent of playoff hockey is in the air, a fragrance they barely missed last season. The question now isn`t if they can compete, but how far their newfound resolve and strategic adjustments can carry them.
From Heartbreak to Hope: The Unforeseen Surge
Last season was an emotional gauntlet, beginning with the profound tragedy of losing Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Yet, from this crucible of grief, a resilient squad emerged, defying predictions to contend for a playoff berth until the final moments. It was a season where individual brilliance coalesced into collective strength. Zach Werenski, the team’s defensive lynchpin, delivered a career-best performance, anchoring the blueline and driving offense with a potency rarely seen from a defenseman. His Norris Trophy finalist nod was not merely deserved; it was a statement.
But it wasn`t a one-man show. The top forward line transformed into an offensive juggernaut, a trio that consistently troubled opposing defenses. And then there was Mathieu Olivier, the rugged fourth-liner typically celebrated for his pugilistic tendencies, who stunned many (perhaps even himself) by potting a surprising 18 goals – a delightful anomaly that perfectly encapsulated the team`s unexpected verve. Kirill Marchenko cemented his status as a breakout star, while Adam Fantilli, now fully healthy, took a significant stride forward in his sophomore year, hinting at the elite talent he`s poised to become.
Strategic Adjustments: Reinforcing the Core
Understanding that past success is a foundation, not a guarantee, the Blue Jackets’ front office has been busy. While much of the successful core returns, calculated additions aim to refine and balance the roster. A persistent challenge for Columbus has been solidifying their center ice depth. For years, finding or developing a robust 1-2-3 punch down the middle seemed a mythical quest. Now, with Sean Monahan and Adam Fantilli slotting into the top two roles, the acquisition of veteran Charlie Coyle adds a crucial piece. Projected as a third-line center, Coyle brings a blend of size, skill, and grit. His 25-goal season two years prior serves as a reminder of his offensive upside, though his primary role in Columbus will be to provide stability and secondary scoring. Should he hit 20 goals again, it would be a clear indicator that the offense, which finished eighth in the league, is humming even louder.
Further down the lineup, Isac Lundestrom, a capable all-around center, is set to anchor the fourth line. Flanked by tough-as-nails wingers Miles Wood and Mathieu Olivier, this unit promises intensity and, on occasion, a dash of unexpected offense – a testament to the newfound depth.
The Unanswered Questions and Future Stars
Every season brings its own set of burning questions, and Columbus is no exception. Perhaps the most critical revolves around goaltending. The offense was potent last year, but allowing the eighth-most goals underscores a need for more consistency in net. Elvis Merzlikins returns, but a compelling challenger has emerged: Jet Greaves. The 24-year-old showcased an electrifying performance at the end of last season, posting a remarkable 5-0-0 record with a .975 save percentage in April. With a .924 save percentage over 21 NHL games, there`s a quiet buzz that Columbus might have a legitimate No. 1 goalie in the making. The crease is set for a spirited competition, one that could define the team’s season.
Then there`s the delicate situation with Yegor Chinakov. After a promising start last season, injuries and subsequent healthy scratches led to a confirmed trade request. While the player`s camp cited “misunderstandings” with coach Dean Evason, GM Don Waddell suggested Chinakov struggled with being benched. Pencilled in as a second or third-line winger, his contractual situation and his on-ice performance will be under a microscope. Can he mend fences and contribute, or will this become a distraction?
Looking to the future, Cayden Lindstrom, the fourth overall pick in 2024, represents tantalizing potential. A six-foot-four, 215-pound scoring center, he projects as a top-two line player. However, a significant back injury sidelined him for most of last season, making his collegiate season at Michigan State a crucial test. His ability to prove his pre-draft promise against older, stronger competition will be closely watched by the Blue Jackets faithful.
The Werenski Imperative
Zach Werenski`s remarkable 2024-25 season saw him lead the team in scoring with 82 points in 81 games, with no NHL defenseman scoring more even-strength goals or points. His average ice time was unmatched. For the Blue Jackets to truly make a playoff push, Werenski isn’t just important; he’s indispensable. Driven by the recent near-miss and the prospect of the Olympics, he will be expected to replicate his Norris-caliber performance, again acting as the pivotal difference-maker.
The Verdict: A Team on the Cusp
The Columbus Blue Jackets are no longer a rebuilding project. They are a team forged in adversity, buoyed by emerging talent, and strategically bolstered by veteran presence. The pieces are in place: a dynamic offense, strengthened center depth, a Norris-contending defenseman, and a hungry goaltending prospect. The emotional scars of the past season have, paradoxically, imbued them with a fierce determination. Missing the playoffs by a mere two points last year was a bitter pill, but it also served as a powerful motivator.
As training camp looms, the buzz around Columbus is undeniable. Can they translate last season`s surprising resilience into sustained success? Can the young stars continue their ascent, the new additions integrate seamlessly, and the goaltending questions find definitive answers? The stage is set for a compelling season, one where the Blue Jackets aim to not just compete, but to truly break through and reclaim their place among the NHL’s elite.
