The National Hockey League is a stage for both athletic prowess and profound human narratives. For the Columbus Blue Jackets, the past season was less a narrative and more a saga, deeply marked by an unimaginable tragedy yet culminating in a display of unexpected resilience. Following the devastating loss of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew, the team galvanized, transforming grief into an unlikely drive that saw them contend for a playoff spot until the final stretch. Now, as the 2025-26 season beckons, the Blue Jackets stand at a pivotal juncture, their sights set firmly on turning a compelling story into tangible success: a playoff berth.
The Foundation: Resilience and Emerging Stars
Last season`s near-miss wasn`t a fluke; it was built on remarkable individual performances and collective spirit. Defenseman Zach Werenski emerged as the undisputed leader, delivering a Norris Trophy-finalist campaign that saw him lead the team in scoring with 82 points in 81 games. His ability to drive offense from the blueline, combined with his immense ice time, made him indispensable. Any playoff push this year will undoubtedly run through Werenski`s stick.
Up front, the Blue Jackets showcased an offensive dynamism often overlooked. Their top forward line was a consistent threat, with Kirill Marchenko breaking out into a significant scoring role. Sophomore center Adam Fantilli, now fully healthy, took an important leap in his development, demonstrating the high-end talent that made him a top draft pick. Even the fourth line saw an unexpected surge from Mathieu Olivier, who, beyond his reputation for toughness, chipped in a surprising 18 goals – a testament to the team`s depth contributions. With most of these key pieces returning, the offensive framework for success is clearly established.
However, the past season also served as a stark reminder of hockey`s inherent unpredictability, particularly concerning player health. Critical talents like Yegor Chinakov, Sean Monahan, and captain Boone Jenner all missed significant time due to injury. A crucial determinant for 2025-26 will be the simple, yet elusive, factor of improved injury luck. Fewer man-games lost would undoubtedly provide the stability needed to navigate a demanding NHL schedule.
Strategic Enhancements: Bolstering the Core
Recognizing the need to build on last season`s momentum, Columbus made calculated additions to its roster, notably strengthening its spine down the middle. For years, finding or developing a robust center corps was a perennial challenge. That narrative appears to be changing. With the proven talents of Monahan and Fantilli anchoring the top two lines, the summer acquisition of veteran center Charlie Coyle adds another layer of formidable depth. Coyle, a former 25-goal scorer, brings a desirable blend of size, skill, and “snarl” to the third line, creating a 1-2-3 punch that is among the league`s more balanced. His presence is not just about scoring, but about making the Jackets harder to play against, shift after shift.
Further down the lineup, Isac Lundestrom is poised to round out the center depth, potentially playing between wingers known for their intensity. While not expected to replicate his 16-goal season from four years prior, Lundestrom`s development into a competent all-around center provides a valuable asset in a foundational position. His ability to blend with tough-guy wingers like Miles Wood and Mathieu Olivier will be an interesting dynamic to watch, showcasing how deep Columbus is willing to go to maintain offensive threats and defensive reliability.
Looking to the future, the organization`s prized prospect, Cayden Lindstrom, offers tantalizing potential. The fourth-overall pick from 2024, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound scoring center, missed most of his follow-up season due to a back injury. His brief return to junior hockey for the playoffs and Memorial Cup provided a glimpse of his capabilities. Now transitioning to Michigan State, Lindstrom will face older, more physically mature competition, a crucial step in proving he can become the top-two line NHL center the Blue Jackets envisioned. Patience will be key, but his upside remains immense.
Burning Questions: The Path Ahead
Every promising season comes with its share of uncertainties, and for the Blue Jackets, three critical questions loom large as training camp approaches:
1. Can Jet Greaves Win the Crease?
While the Blue Jackets` offense finished eighth in the league last season, their defensive record was less flattering, allowing the eighth-most goals. Consistency in net remains paramount. Elvis Merzlikins returns, but a compelling challenger has emerged. Goaltender Jet Greaves, 24, delivered an electrifying showcase at the end of last season, posting a 5-0-0 record with a .975 save percentage, 0.80 GAA, and two shutouts in April. With a .924 save percentage across 21 NHL games over three seasons, there`s genuine hope Columbus has cultivated its own future No. 1. The opportunity for Greaves to seize the majority of starts is real, but he`ll need to replicate that late-season magic consistently, a task made more challenging by the team`s heightened playoff aspirations.
2. What Will Come of Yegor Chinakov`s Trade Request?
The situation surrounding Yegor Chinakov is arguably the most intriguing subplot. Last season began with Chinakov thriving alongside Monahan and Marchenko, notching 14 points in his first 21 games. An upper-body injury derailed his momentum, and upon his return, a healthy scratch due to declining production led to a summer trade request, confirmed by GM Don Waddell. While Chinakov`s camp cited “misunderstandings” with head coach Dean Evason, Waddell suggested the player struggled with being benched. Penciled in as a second- or third-line winger, how this saga unfolds through camp and the early season – especially with Chinakov entering an arbitration-eligible RFA year – will be a significant indicator of team chemistry and player management.
3. How Will Zach Werenski Follow Up His Norris Finalist Season?
After a career year that saw him finish second in Norris voting, leading all NHL defensemen in even-strength goals and points, the spotlight on Zach Werenski is brighter than ever. His performance was not merely good; it was transformative for the Blue Jackets. Beyond team aspirations, the upcoming Olympics will undoubtedly serve as an additional motivator. For Columbus to finally break into the playoff picture in 2025-26, Werenski doesn`t just need to be good; he needs to be that same, consistent, difference-making force that elevates the entire team. Anything less might see the Blue Jackets once again on the outside looking in, despite their tantalizing potential.
The Columbus Blue Jackets enter the 2025-26 season not as an afterthought, but as a team with a profound narrative and genuine playoff aspirations. From overcoming immense personal loss to building a deeper, more resilient roster, the stage is set for a season of high stakes and compelling hockey. The questions are evident, the talent is undeniable, and the desire appears unyielding. Whether they can convert this potent blend into a long-awaited postseason berth remains the ultimate test, but one thing is clear: the Blue Jackets are ready to write their next chapter, and it promises to be anything but dull.