The Columbus Blue Jackets are just one day away from their season opener at Nationwide Arena. Let’s take a walk down memory lane and see where some of the players who wore the number 1 jersey are now.
Jean-François Labbé – Played for Columbus in 2002, coming from Sherbrooke, Quebec, and was undrafted. Over two seasons, he appeared in 14 games, earning a 3-5 record with a save percentage of .890. Most of his playing time was in the AHL with the Syracuse Crunch. In 2003, Labbé moved overseas to Russia, then played in Germany and Poland before returning home to Canada in 2009. After a season with Sherbrooke Saint-François in the Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey, he retired. Throughout his career, Labbé was primarily an AHL goalie, playing 261 games, with a record of 131-97-25 and 13 shutouts. He received several awards in the league, including Best Goaltender and MVP, and was inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame in 2016. Post-retirement, he transitioned into coaching roles as head coach or goaltending coach in various locations.
Tomáš Pöpperle – Drafted by Columbus in 2005 and played for the Blue Jackets in 2007, appearing in only two NHL games, both as a relief goaltender. He posted a .929 save percentage and a 1.35 GAA. Prior to that, Pöpperle played 66 AHL games for Syracuse before heading back to Europe. His last professional season was in 2023-24, playing in Germany’s second tier leagues.
Steve Mason – Drafted in 2006 and played for Columbus from 2009 to 2013. During his time there, he secured 96 wins, ranking third in franchise history, and recorded 19 shutouts, second most for the team. He played over 13,100 minutes, with a GAA ranking fourth and a save percentage fifth. After being traded to Philadelphia, Mason spent four seasons with the Flyers and one with Winnipeg before injuries, including concussions and a knee injury, ended his career. Mason made an immediate impact, winning the Calder Trophy in 2008-09 and earning All-Rookie and All-Star honors. His trade to Philly in 2013 saw him compile a 104-78-36 record with the Flyers. He also shined at the international level, going 5-0 in the U20 World Junior Championships, earning multiple MVP and best goaltender awards—truly a player with immense potential.
With just one day left before the season begins, fans are eager to see what this year holds for the Blue Jackets.
Fan Take: This look back at former Blue Jackets players reminds us of the deep history and potential in the franchise. It also highlights how many talented goalies have carried the team’s hopes and dreams—something every hockey fan can appreciate and look forward to in this upcoming season.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
