The Columbus Blue Jackets have just two weeks remaining before their season kicks off at Nationwide Arena. Today, we’re diving into the history associated with jersey number 14.
Let’s explore the notable players who have worn this number:
Ray Whitney (2001-2003) – Originally drafted by San Jose in 1991, Whitney appeared in 151 games for Columbus and served as team captain for one season. During his tenure, he scored 24 goals and accumulated 76 points, a franchise record for a captain donning #14. When Columbus acquired Whitney in 2001, he was 28 and had already played 528 NHL games over 10 seasons, yet he had never completed a full 82-game season. Fans were eager to welcome this goal-scorer and creative playmaker. Whitney’s career spanned 22 seasons, culminating in over 1,000 points across 1,330 games before retiring in 2015. A memorable moment came in November 2001, at Nationwide Arena, when he scored a legendary goal against the St. Louis Blues—the play-by-play call by George Matthews still resonates with fans today.
(Link to the goal video:) YouTube Video
Greg Mauldin (2004) – Drafted by Columbus in 2002, Mauldin played six games for the Blue Jackets without registering any points. After leaving Columbus, he added 30 more NHL games to his career and later played in Europe across Switzerland, Russia, Germany, and Norway until his retirement in 2024.
Raffi Torres (2009-2010) – Selected by the New York Islanders in 2000, Torres played 111 games with Columbus, earning 51 points before being traded to the Buffalo Sabres in March 2010. He retired in November 2016.
Grant Clitsome (2011-2012) – Drafted in 2004, Clitsome played 93 games for Columbus and scored 36 points before being placed on waivers in February 2012. He retired in 2016 after suffering a significant shoulder injury.
Blake Comeau (2013-2014) – Originally drafted by the New York Islanders in 2004, Comeau played 79 games for Columbus, totaling 21 points. He then signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins as a free agent in 2014, eventually playing over 900 NHL games before retiring during the 2021-22 season.
Dean Kukan (2015-2022) – An undrafted Swiss defenseman from Volketswil, Kukan debuted in the NHL in March 2016 after spending most of the season with the Lake Erie Monsters, helping them win their first Calder Cup. Over his time with Columbus, he played 153 games and scored 30 points, excelling particularly in the minors with 142 games and 59 points. In 2022, Kukan returned to Switzerland to play for the ZSC Lions on a five-year deal. He’s also a regular on the Swiss national team, competing in the 2025 IIHF World Championships and the 2026 Olympics, where he scored 9 points in 10 games.
Gustav Nyquist (2020-2023) – Drafted by the New York Islanders in 2004, Nyquist played 200 games with Columbus, tallying 43 goals and 117 points, even missing a season due to injury. After a brief stint with the Minnesota Wild, he signed with the Nashville Predators in 2023, was traded back to the Wild in March 2025, and as of July 2025, remains a free agent. Nyquist and his family continue to reside in the Columbus area.
Joseph LaBate (2025) – Drafted by Vancouver in 2011, LaBate appeared in six games for Columbus during the 2024-25 season after signing a one-year deal following a PTO with the Cleveland Monsters. He then signed a one-year contract with Vancouver in the offseason.
With just 14 days remaining until the season opener, fans are eagerly awaiting what this renewed energy and history can bring to the Blue Jackets’ upcoming campaign.
Fan Take: Knowing the rich history behind #14 reminds fans of the strong legacy and memorable moments associated with this jersey. It fuels excitement and pride as the team prepares for a new season, emphasizing that every player who wears this number continues to contribute to the franchise’s evolving story.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
