Columbus Blue Jackets
5th in Metropolitan · 11th in Eastern Conference
Capitals 2, Blue Jackets 1 · Final
★ Stevenson (27 SV) | ★★ Jenner (1G) | ★★★ Ovechkin (1A)
5th in Metropolitan · 11th in Eastern Conference
Capitals 2, Blue Jackets 1 · Final
★ Stevenson (27 SV) | ★★ Jenner (1G) | ★★★ Ovechkin (1A)
NHL.com dissects the Columbus Blue Jackets' roster ahead of a pivotal summer, highlighting UFAs, RFAs and trade bait. Ownership demands progress after years of lottery luck, pressuring GM Don Waddell to stockpile talent. This breakdown flags the moves that could flip the franchise's fortunes.
Zach Aston-Reese brought that blue-collar reliability to Columbus this season, sticking to the basics while others chased the spotlight. Coaches loved his no-frills approach in a year when the Jackets needed steady hands amid roster flux. As we break down his 2025-26 impact, one thing stands out: simplicity won games where flash failed.
The NHL draft lottery hands the Columbus Blue Jackets the 14th overall pick in 2026, keeping them right where the odds pegged them after a middling season. GM Don Waddell now turns his focus to a draft class loaded with blue-chip defensemen and skilled wingers who could accelerate the rebuild. Front offices around the league whisper that Columbus holds a prime spot to snag a steal, but they can't afford to whiff with so many eyes on their next moves.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are 5th in the Metropolitan Division with a 40-30-12 record (92 points).