Columbus Blue Jackets Roster 2022-2023

The Daily Goal Horn |

May 11, 2023

The Columbus Blue Jackets roster is a force to be reckoned with. From seasoned veterans to up-and-coming stars, the Blue Jackets have a diverse mix of players who bring their unique strengths to the game. Explore the roster below and much more:

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Who is the Columbus Blue Jackets captain?

Columbus Blue Jackets Roster - Boone Jenner — Credit: Gaelen Morse-USA TODAY Sports

Boone Jenner currently serves as the captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was born on June 15, 1993, in Dorchester, Ontario, Canada. Jenner was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft as the 37th overall pick in the second round. He shoots left and is known for his physical and hardworking style of play.

Throughout his NHL career, Jenner has been a key player for the Blue Jackets. He has played in 657 regular-season games and has recorded 170 goals and 159 assists for a total of 329 points. In the 2022-2023 season, Jenner has been particularly effective, tallying 26 goals and 19 assists for a total of 45 points in 68 games played. He has also demonstrated leadership and discipline as the team captain, with a career total of 382 penalty minutes.

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Who is the Columbus Blue Jackets’ best all-time captain?

One name that consistently stands out is Nick Foligno, who served as the team’s captain from 2015-2021. Foligno, a versatile forward, displayed exceptional leadership qualities on and off the ice, helping to shape the identity of the franchise during his tenure. His commitment to his teammates, work ethic, and community involvement endeared him to fans and players alike, solidifying his place as a beloved figure in Blue Jackets’ history.

Foligno’s tenure as captain saw the Blue Jackets achieve new heights, including their first playoff series win in franchise history during the 2018-19 season. Although his offensive contributions were substantial, it was his ability to rally his team and inspire them to compete at a higher level that truly set him apart.

Forwards

13, LW, Johnny Gaudreau (Salem, NJ, USA)
17, RW, Justin Danforth (Oshawa, ON, CAN)
18, C, Eric Robinson (Niagara Falls, NY, USA)
19, C, Liam Foudy (Scarborough, ON, CAN)
24, RW, Mathieu Olivier (Biloxi, MS, USA)
29, LW, Patrik Laine (Tampere, FIN)
38, C, Boone Jenner (Dorchester, ON, CAN) (C)
41, C, Hunter McKown (San Jose, CA, USA)
50, LW, Lane Pederson (Bellmawr, NJ, USA)
52, RW, Emil Bemstrom (Nykoping, SWE)
86, RW, Kirill Marchenko (Barnaul, RUS)
91, C, Kent Johnson (Port Moody, BC, CAN)
96, C, Jack Roslovic (Columbus, OH, USA)
7, C, Sean Kuraly (Niagara Falls, NY, USA)
11, LW, Mathieu Olivier (Biloxi, MS, USA)

Defensemen

2, R, Andrew Peeke (Parkland, FL, USA)
8, L, Zach Werenski (Grosse Pointe, MI, USA) (A)
15, L, Gavin Bayreuther (Canaan, NH, USA)
22, L, Jake Bean (Calgary, AB, CAN)
27, R, Adam Boqvist (Falun, SWE)
44, R, Erik Gudbranson (Ottawa, ON, CAN)
75, L, Tim Berni (Mannedorf, CHE)
77, R, Nick Blankenburg (Washington, MI, USA)

Who is the starting goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets?

Elvis Merzlikins is the current starting goaltender for the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was born on April 13, 1994, in Riga, Latvia. Merzlikins was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the third round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft as the 76th overall pick. He catches left and is known for his agility and quick reflexes in the net.

Since making his debut in the NHL during the 2019-2020 season, Merzlikins has become a vital player for the Blue Jackets. In his 150 career games, he has recorded 55 wins, 62 losses, and 22 overtime losses with a .906 save percentage and nine shutouts. In the 2022-2023 season, Merzlikins has started in 27 games and has won seven while losing 18. He has faced a total of 889 shots and has allowed 110 goals for a 4.23 goals against average and a .876 save percentage. Despite his struggling performance this season, Merzlikins has shown glimpses of his immense potential and is expected to be a key player for the Blue Jackets in the years to come.

Goaltenders

31, Michael Hutchinson (Barrie, ON, CAN)
32, Jon Gillies (Concord, NH, USA)
90, Elvis Merzlikins (Riga, LVA)

Who is the Columbus Blue Jackets’ best all-time goaltender?

Sergei Bobrovsky stands out as the most accomplished goaltender in the franchise’s history. The Russian netminder played for the Blue Jackets from 2012 to 2019, earning numerous accolades during his tenure, including two Vezina Trophies as the league’s top goaltender (in 2013 and 2017). Bobrovsky was renowned for his athleticism, reflexes, and consistency, consistently providing the team with a chance to win on any given night.

Bobrovsky’s time in Columbus was marked by impressive statistics and performances, which were instrumental in the team’s rise to relevance. He holds numerous franchise records, including the most wins, shutouts, and highest save percentage for a goaltender who has played more than 100 games with the team. In addition to his regular-season success, Bobrovsky’s stellar play during the 2019 playoffs was pivotal in securing the Blue Jackets’ first playoff series win in franchise history.

Who is the best player for the Columbus Blue Jackets?

Johnny Gaudreau, born on August 13, 1993, in Salem, New Jersey, is considered one of the best players on the Columbus Blue Jackets roster. A left-shooting forward, Gaudreau was drafted in the fourth round, 13th overall, by the Calgary Flames in 2011. He has since established himself as a dominant offensive force in the NHL. In his current 2022-2023 season, Gaudreau has played in all 80 games for the Blue Jackets, scoring 21 goals and 53 assists, for a total of 74 points. Despite the team’s struggles this season, Gaudreau has been a bright spot, leading the team in points and power-play goals.

Throughout his NHL career, Johnny Gaudreau has been a consistent point producer, with 683 points in 682 games played. He has a career shooting percentage of 12.5%, which is impressive considering the high volume of shots he takes. Gaudreau has also been recognized for his outstanding offensive skills, having been selected to the NHL All-Star Game five times.

Who are the Columbus Blue Jackets’ top prospects

Kirill Marchenko (LW) – Columbus boasts one of the better prospects pools and this native of Barnaul, Russia looks like a keeper. Taken in the second round of the 2018 Draft, the 22 year-old is coming along nicely posting 25 points in 59 games with the Jackets this season.
David Jiricek (D) – The sixth overall selection of the 2022 NHL Draft, Jiricek is a big physical defenseman that could be patrolling the Jackets blue-line very soon. He’s got the size and ability to already play defense at the NHL level.

Has a Columbus Blue Jackets player ever won an MVP?

While the Blue Jackets have seen talented players don their jersey, none have been able to capture the prestigious award in the team’s history.

Despite the lack of an MVP winner, the Columbus Blue Jackets have had players receive other individual awards throughout their existence. Most notably, as mentioned earlier, Sergei Bobrovsky won the Vezina Trophy twice as the league’s top goaltender during his time with the team.

Who is the most famous Columbus Blue Jackets player of all time?

One player who has left an indelible mark on the franchise and earned widespread recognition is Rick Nash. The Canadian forward was drafted first overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft and quickly established himself as the face of the franchise. Nash played for the team from 2002 to 2012, serving as captain from 2008 to 2012, and remains the organization’s all-time leader in multiple categories, including goals, points, and game-winning goals.

Rick Nash was a dominant force on the ice, possessing a rare combination of size, skill, and scoring ability. He won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goal-scorer in 2004, sharing the honor with Jarome Iginla and Ilya Kovalchuk. Although the Blue Jackets experienced limited team success during Nash’s tenure, his individual performance and highlight-reel goals garnered attention from fans and media alike, propelling him into the national spotlight.