Columbus Blue Jackets News, Trades & Rumors

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The Columbus Blue Jackets joined the NHL in 2000 as an expansion franchise alongside the Minnesota Wild. Their first game was a 5-3 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 7, 2000. For the first 12 years of its history, the team played in the Western Conference before switching to the Eastern Conference for the 2013-14 season. The franchise struggled during the early part of its history and didn’t reach the postseason until 2008-09. In total, the team has made six postseason appearances and has advanced past the first round once. 

Blue Jackets Focused on Being Improved Forechecking Team in 2025-26
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The Columbus Blue Jackets came oh so close to the playoffs in 2024-25. Several of their key players had great seasons that allowed them to be in position to stay in the race all season. But as with any team that falls short, changes and tweaks need to be made in an effort to improve. For these Blue Jackets, one area of focus for them is being an improved forechecking team. The desire to improve on the forecheck makes perfect sense. Which team has been at the top of the mountain in the NHL? The Florida Panthers. What are they…

Every NHL Team’s Longest-Tenured Player
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*this article was updated in October 2025**this archive was originally written by Ryan Gagne Hockey players train their entire lives to make it to the best league in the world and work even harder to stay. Although everyone dreams of hoisting the Stanley Cup at some point, others have the privilege of playing their entire careers with one organization and never get that chance at a championship. Related: 10 NHL Players Who Played Their Entire Career With One Team Very few skaters in league history have played their whole careers with one organization because, in a salary-cap world, it’s hard…

3 Takeaways From the Blue Jackets’ 4-3 Loss to the Capitals
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The Columbus Blue Jackets dropped their final home preseason game Tuesday night, falling 4-3 to the Washington Capitals at Nationwide Arena. With a full NHL roster on the ice (minus Kirill Marchenko), the Blue Jackets now sit at 2-4-0 in exhibition play. The next time they return to Nationwide Arena will be for the regular season home opener on Monday, Oct. 13, against the New Jersey Devils. Connor McMichael and Tom Wilson both tallied a goal and an assist for the Capitals, while Logan Thompson stopped 36 of 39 shots to earn the win. Captain Boone Jenner scored twice on…

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Blue Jackets FAQ

What year were the Columbus Blue Jackets founded?

The Columbus Blue Jackets joined the NHL in 2000 as an expansion franchise alongside the Minnesota Wild.

When did the Columbus Blue Jackets play their first game?

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ first game was a 5-3 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 7, 2000.

Who is the current head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets?

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ current head coach is Pascal Vincent.