2025-26 SEASON...

Columbus opens up their season against Nashville

QUIET OFF SEASON

It was a fairly quiet off season in Columbus.  No top draft picks, no blockbuster trades, no major roster changes.  The most significant deal came at the end of June; where defensemen S. Gostisbehere was acquired from Boston for R. Shea and a bunch of draft picks.  Free agency was also uneventful, as additions to forward depth was done via the trade market, as Justin Kirkland, Kyle MacLean andTyson Kozak were added.  The Blue Jackets General Manager knew that prospects would be taking the next step and move on from major junior to professional hockey, opportunities were available for young players to make a mark and take that next step.

FIRST GAME.  ON THE ROAD VERSUS NASHVILLE

To start out the season, Columbus will travel to Nashville to open against the Predators.  Columbus will need to look at their veteran players like Staal, Werenski, Monahan, Sanheim etc. to settle the team down and play a smart game.  The Blue Jackets are not going to out score the opposition, they will defend and will try and capitalize on their opportunities in transition.  There are some expectations on younger players; Matt Coronato is expected to produce solid offensive numbers and rookie defensemen like Sam Rinzel will take up important minutes.  The Blue Jackets have a history of being sneaky - in the sense, teams should not overlook them...