NHL Summer Splash Countdown: Columbus Blue Jackets Secure Spot at No. 21

Hockey News continues its NHL Summer Splash Rankings, placing the Columbus Blue Jackets at 21st. This series evaluates each NHL team’s offseason moves, ranking them based on improvements, stagnation, or declines, focusing on free agency, trades, and coaching or management changes.

The Blue Jackets are categorized among the teams expected to remain mostly unchanged this offseason, with only one team ranked below them. Let’s first focus on the Jackets.

Additions

New players include Charlie Coyle (Center), Miles Wood (Left Wing), Brendan Ghoench (Center), and Disin Mayo (Defense). The Blue Jackets matched the Montreal Canadiens in wins but secured their playoff spot as the second wildcard after some overtime losses. GM Don Waddell strategically used salary cap space to sign experienced forward Charlie Coyle from the Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, and Minnesota Wild, along with winger Miles Wood from New Jersey Devils and Avalanche. A major positive move was re-signing veteran defenseman Ivan Provorov with a seven-year contract worth $8.5 million annually—despite lucrative offers elsewhere, Provorov’s commitment signals strong faith in the Blue Jackets’ organization.

Additionally, goaltender Jet Greaves, who impressed with a .938 save percentage and 1.91 goals against average in 11 NHL appearances last season, is poised to challenge starter Elvis Merzlikins for the No.1 spot, providing strong depth in goal.

Departures

The players leaving include James Van Riemsdyk (LW), Justin Danforth (RW), Sean Kuraly (LW), Kevin Labanc (RW), Jack Johnson (D), Jordan Harris (D), and Danil Tarasov (G). Most of them were depth players, with Van Riemsdyk scoring 36 points in 71 games, and others contributing less considerably. Defensemen Johnson and Harris averaged under 13 minutes of ice time, while goaltender Tarasov struggled with a 3.54 goals-against-average and an .881 save percentage. The Blue Jackets are unlikely to suffer significantly from these losses, as management appears confident in filling gaps through internal promotions and new signings.

Conclusion

Despite notable departures, Columbus believes in its youthful core, which may pay off. Positioned centrally in the NHL Summer Splash Rankings, the team’s future looks promising if defensive weaknesses—being the 8th worst in goals allowed last season—are addressed. Offensively, young stars like Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, Kirill Markenko, Dmitri Volonkov, and Norris Trophy contender Zach Werenski could drive success.

GM Don Waddell still has about $16.3 million in cap space, which could be used mid-season to bolster the team further, either in defense or offense. For now, the Blue Jackets balance youthful potential and veteran stability, aiming to stay competitive in the playoff race. Waddell’s measured approach indicates strong confidence in the core roster.

Summer Splash Ranking

• 1. Columbus Blue Jackets
• 1. Washington Capitals
• 1. Nashville Predators
• 1. New York Islanders
• 1. Tampa Bay Lightning
• 1. Toronto Maple Leafs
• 1. Dallas Stars
• 1. Calgary Flames
• 1. Los Angeles Kings
• 1. Winnipeg Jets
• 1. Chicago Blackhawks
• 1. Buffalo Sabres

Fan Take: This analysis sheds light on how the Blue Jackets are quietly building a promising future without blockbuster moves, which matters to hockey fans as it highlights the value of patience and internal development. If their young core thrives, Columbus could become an exciting and competitive team in the coming years, influencing how rebuilding teams approach growth in the NHL.