Summer Coolers – Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for six consecutive seasons, but there may finally be reasons for optimism. Rick Bowness returns after helping stabilize the club following his midseason arrival, Zach Werenski has recommitted to Columbus, Jet Greaves has emerged as the No. 1 goaltender, and the addition of Valeri Nichushkin could provide a significant offensive boost. Neil Smith and Vic Morren examine whether the Blue Jackets can finally take the next step, how they replace former captain Boone Jenner, and why Adam Fantilli could become one of the defining players—and leaders—of Columbus’ future.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00:00] Columbus finishes fifth in the Metropolitan Division with 92 points, 11th in the Eastern Conference and 17th overall, missing the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season.

[00:00:25] The franchise still owns only one playoff series victory in its history—the stunning 2019 sweep of the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Tampa Bay Lightning.

[00:00:45] Columbus remains largely middle-of-the-pack offensively, defensively, on the power play, and on the penalty kill. Vic describes the team as simply “okay” in almost every major area.

[00:01:00] Rick Bowness replaces Dean Evason in January and initially produces significant improvement, particularly in Columbus’ ability to protect leads and avoid giving away points late in games.

[00:01:20] The Blue Jackets finish 10 games above .500 during Bowness’ 37 games, but a disastrous 3-9-1 finish over their final 13 games destroys their playoff hopes.

[00:01:40] Bowness publicly challenges the team after the season, making it clear that changes would be necessary if he returned behind the bench. He is back, setting the stage for an important training camp.

[00:02:00] The offseason initially brings major uncertainty when two important players indicate they may not remain with the organization. Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Zach Werenski eventually reverses course and says he wants to stay and win in Columbus.

[00:02:25] With Boone Jenner leaving for Washington, Werenski could become a candidate for the captaincy as Columbus searches for its next locker-room leader.

[00:02:45] Kirill Marchenko becomes the remaining contract concern. He will be a restricted free agent after the season and has expressed uncertainty about signing another deal with Columbus.

[00:03:00] General Manager Don Waddell makes one of his biggest moves by acquiring Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche for second-, third-, and fifth-round draft picks spread across 2026, 2027, and 2028.

[00:03:25] Neil acknowledges the concerns surrounding Nichushkin’s past but says he has heard the forward is a changed person who is excited about his opportunity in Columbus.

[00:03:45] Nichushkin should receive increased ice time and additional power-play opportunities, potentially giving the Blue Jackets an important new offensive weapon.

[00:04:00] Columbus loses several players, beginning with longtime captain Boone Jenner. Mason Marchment signs with San Jose, Brendan Gaunce joins Boston, and Zach Aston-Reese leaves for Philadelphia.

[00:04:20] Charlie Coyle remains in Columbus on a six-year, $6 million-per-season contract and could assume some of the veteran leadership responsibilities previously carried by Jenner.

[00:04:40] Ryan Lomberg arrives from Calgary, bringing additional energy and physicality to the lineup, while Columbus also retains several of its own depth pieces.

[00:05:00] Two important restricted free agents avoid arbitration. Jet Greaves signs for three years at $5 million per season, while Cole Sillinger agrees to a three-year deal worth $4.6 million annually.

[00:05:25] Greaves’ contract reflects his emergence as Columbus’ No. 1 goaltender after overtaking Elvis Merzlikins during the 2025-26 season. Neil believes Greaves proved he can become a very good NHL netminder.

[00:05:50] Sillinger’s commitment, along with Werenski’s renewed desire to remain with the organization, provides evidence that Columbus is not struggling to retain everyone.

[00:06:10] Neil believes the organization enters training camp in a much healthier position than it appeared to be only a month earlier, with Marchenko now representing the primary unresolved long-term concern.

[00:06:30] Columbus also has young talent coming through the pipeline, including defenseman Jackson Smith, the 14th overall selection in 2025, who produced 26 points in 35 games at Penn State.

[00:06:50] Cayden Lindstrom, the fourth overall selection in the 2024 Draft, remains another major prospect, while Luca Del Bel Belluz has already begun gaining NHL experience.

[00:07:10] The central question becomes whether all these pieces are enough for Columbus to finally take the last step and qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

[00:07:30] Neil believes the answer will partially depend on the strength of the competition. He sees Columbus as a work in progress but believes Nichushkin improves the offense and Greaves gives the team a developing young goaltender.

[00:07:50] Coyle could help fill the leadership void left by Jenner, while Bowness’ biggest priority may be preventing another late-season collapse like the one that destroyed Columbus’ playoff chances last year.

[00:08:10] Vic identifies Adam Fantilli as one of the most important players entering the season. Beyond his offensive ability, Fantilli possesses the intensity and leadership qualities of a potential future captain.

[00:08:30] Neil agrees that Fantilli’s development must continue. For Columbus to become a playoff team in 2026-27, the former top prospect needs to begin blossoming into the impact player the organization believes he can become.