Columbus Blue Jackets
A preview of the 2026-27 NHL season for the Columbus Blue Jackets, including predictions from VSiN NHL Expert Jonathan Davis. For all other NHL team previews, check out our NHL page.
Key Additions: Valeri Nichuskin, Cam Talbot
Key Departures: Mason Marchment, Boone Jenner
Overview
The playoff futility streak has now hit six consecutive seasons for the Columbus Blue Jackets. A 19-19-7 start cost head coach Dean Evason his job, and Rick Bowness replaced him. The Jackets won 10 of 11 and 13 of their first 16 games under Bowness but then lost nine of their last 11 games (2-8-1), and despite finishing with 92 points, their bid for a playoff spot fell short. Bowness had harsh words for his players following the final game of the season, saying, “Guys don’t hate to lose.” There may have been some bruised egos and some necessary fence mending, but Bowness was brought back on a one-year deal.
The offseason was highlighted by an apparent misunderstanding that almost landed Zach Werenski in a trade to Dallas. In late August, it was learned that goalie Elvis Merzlikins had shoulder surgery, putting his status to start the season in jeopardy. Long-time captain Boone Jenner was not offered a new contract and signed with the Washington Capitals.
Offense
The Jackets scored 246 goals, which had them in the bottom half of league scoring,18th best, with 174 of those goals scored at full and even strength, 11th overall. If they can improve their power play, which finished 22nd overall, it could be the difference between getting back into the postseason. A trade with Colorado to bring in Val Nichushkin could give the Jackets a potent top line with Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko. Marchenko’s 27 goals last season were a slight dip from the 31 he had the prior season, but if Adam Fantilli can take another step forward, this trio could easily score 90-plus goals next season. Injuries limited the effectiveness of second-line center Sean Monahan (13 goals, 36 points), and he, along with Kent Johnson (7 goals, 22 points) will be needed for major bounce-back seasons for the Jackets to be legit playoff contenders. Center Charlie Coyle’s 58 points (3rd on the Jackets last season) earned him a new six-year contract (6 million AAV). Coyle is arguably the Jackets’ best two-way center and has not missed a game over the past five seasons. Coyle is best suited as a third-line center but could slot higher in the lineup if necessary. The Blue Jackets signed free agent “tough guy” Ryan Lomberg in the offseason. He and Mathieu Olivier will keep opposing teams “honest” and should open ice for the skill players.
Defense
Columbus surrendered 251 goals last season, ranking 16th overall. Zach Werenski’s 22 goals and 81 points helped him earn his first Norris Trophy. Only Quinn Hughes (27:44) averaged more time on ice per game than Werenski’s 26:37 last season. Overall, the blueline is filled with veterans and a promising young player in Denton Mateychuk. Mateychuk’s 13 goals last season were second only to Werenski (22) for goals by Jackets blueliners. Ivan Provorov plays alongside Mateychuk and can play heavy minutes, kill penalties and handle difficult defensive assignments. Damon Severson looked like he and Werenski developed some chemistry late last season. He adds size (6’2, 204), a good puck mover and veteran experience.
Goaltending
After playing just 20 games in his first two-plus NHL seasons, Jet Greaves wrestled the starter’s crease away from veteran Elvis Merzlikins, starting 53 of the team’s 82 games, including multiple occasions where he started on consecutive nights. Greaves put up solid numbers (26-19-9, 2.60 GAA, 908 SV%, two shutouts) and earned himself a new 3-year, 15-million-dollar contract. In late August, the Jackets announced that Merzlikins had shoulder surgery, and just before training camp, they said he would be out indefinitely. Veteran goalie Cam Talbot signed just two weeks before the season began after spending the past two seasons in Detroit.
Player to Watch
The Jackets are hoping that Kent Johnson can put last season behind him (seven goals, 22 points), which saw his average time on ice drop from over 17 minutes per game (2024-25) to just over 13 minutes. The Blue Jackets are looking for Johnson to replicate (or better) his 2024-25 season, where he had a career-best 24 goals and 57 points (68 games). The fifth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft is described as an elusive skater who can make plays in tight spaces and has the hands to create scoring chances that aren’t available to most players.
Outlook
I consider the Blue Jackets in the conversation with teams like the Devils and Islanders for teams competing for one of the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. I decided to play .75 units on the Blue Jackets to make the playoffs (+150) and .25 units on Columbus to finish third in the Metropolitan Division (+500).
Team Futures
Regular Season Points: 91.5 (Over -115, Under -115)
To Make the Playoffs: (+150)
Miss the Playoffs: (-185)
To Win the Division: (+1500)
To Win the Eastern Conference: (+3000)
To Win the Stanley Cup: (+6000)
2025-26 Recap
Record: 37-33-12 (86 points, 5th Central Division)
Over/Under: 37-44-1
Home Favorite: 9-9 // Home Dog: 10-9
Road Favorite: 3-8 // Road Dog: 13-17
Win Score 4 or more: 15 of 37 // Lose Give Up 4 or more: 30 of 45
Puck Line Wins: 19 of 37 // Puck Line Losses: 24 of 45
Front End Back-to-Back: 6-7 // Back End Back-to-Back: 7-6
Points Leader: Zach Werenski – 81
Goal Leader: Kirill Marchenko – 27
Teams First Goal Leader: Marchenko, Fantilli, Werenski – 7, Coyle, Voronkov – 6
Assist Leader: Zach Werenski – 59
Shots on Goal Leader: Zach Werenski – 260
Blocked Shots: Ivan Provorov – 134
Depth Chart
Forwards
Valeri Nichuskin / Adam Fantilli / Kirill Marchenko
Kent Johnson / Sean Monahan / Conor Garland
Dmitri Voronkov / Charlie Coyle / Mathieu Olivier
Ryan Lomberg / Cole Sillinger / Miles Wood
Defense
Zach Werenski / Damon Severson
Ivan Provorov / Denton Mateychuk
Jake Christiansen / Dante Fabbro
Goalies
Jet Greaves / Pheonix Copley / Elvis Merzlikins (injured)
